Los Angeles, California – – New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings, marking a significant shift for both franchises as the National Hockey League approaches its trade deadline. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, sees Panarin join the Kings in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 draft, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028.
The move comes after the Rangers announced plans for a team rebuild, as communicated in a letter to fans from president and general manager Chris Drury on . Drury indicated the likelihood of parting ways with key players who contributed to the team’s recent successes. Since the release of Drury’s letter, the Rangers have struggled, posting a 2-6-0 record.
Panarin, 34, has been the Rangers’ leading scorer in each season since his arrival. This season, he has recorded 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games. Throughout his tenure with the Rangers, he has amassed 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 477 games, placing him ninth in franchise history. He played a key role in the Rangers’ runs to the Eastern Conference Final in both 2022 and 2024, accumulating 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 46 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with the team.
Crucially, Panarin’s agreement to waive his full no-movement clause was contingent on the possibility of contending for a Stanley Cup with the Kings. His agent, Paul Theofanous, reportedly drove this stipulation, seeking a situation where his client would not be acquired merely as a rental player. According to reports, Theofanous insisted on a long-term commitment from any acquiring team.
The Kings will retain 50% of Panarin’s current $11.64 million salary, which is set to expire on . The team currently holds a record of 23-17-14 and sits ninth in the Western Conference, one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the eighth and final playoff spot. Los Angeles has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014, falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round in each of the last four postseasons.
Prior to joining the Rangers, Panarin spent two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (2015-2017), where he won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year in 2015-2016, and two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets (2017-2019). Across 804 regular season games in the NHL, he has registered 927 points (321 goals, 606 assists).
The Kings are betting that Panarin’s offensive prowess will provide the boost needed to secure a playoff berth and potentially make a deeper run. The Rangers, meanwhile, are fully embracing a rebuild, signaling a willingness to sacrifice short-term gains for long-term success. The team’s struggles since Drury’s announcement – a 2-6-0 record – underscore the urgency of the restructuring process.
Liam Greentree, the prospect heading to New York, was a first-round pick (26th overall) by the Kings in the 2024 draft. He has recorded 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) in 34 games with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season and represented Canada at the recent IIHF World Junior Championship.
The trade highlights the complex dynamics at play as teams position themselves for the stretch run to the playoffs. The Rangers’ decision to move Panarin, despite his continued offensive production, reflects a broader strategic shift. The Kings’ willingness to meet Panarin’s demands – including a commitment to a contract extension – demonstrates their ambition to contend immediately. The situation underscores the increasing importance of player control, particularly for stars with no-movement clauses, in shaping the landscape of professional hockey.
Several other teams were reportedly interested in acquiring Panarin, but were unwilling to commit to a long-term extension. The Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Carolina Hurricanes were identified as teams interested in a rental situation. However, the Stars’ need to re-sign Jason Robertson and the Avalanche’s impending contract negotiations with Cale Makar complicated their pursuit. The Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Hurricanes were among those willing to discuss an extension.
