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The New York Rangers have finally made the move on a trade involving Artemi Panarin.
The Rangers are sending Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, according to ESPN.
The writing has been on the wall for a Panarin deal, with the Rangers struggling at 22-28-6 this season and the veteran lefty having just one year left on his contract. Panarin’s deal had an average annual value of $11.642 million entering the season, and he is set to be released after the year.
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Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates a Chris Kreider #20 goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period in game six of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 16, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
With this trade, the Kings already have an extension in place — a problem with Panarin and his team, given their control in this process. ESPN reported an average annual value of $11 million over two years.
Panarin also told the Rangers that Los Angeles was the destination he wanted.
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The Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals were among teams interested in striking a deal with New York for Panarin.
Panarin, 34, was reportedly looking for a deal close to $50 million, and some teams might not have been willing to get the job done there if it didn’t make sense on their books.
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center in San Jose on March 29, 2025. (Robert Edwards-Imagn Images)
But the Kings piqued the interest of the Russian All-Star, and he joins a team fighting for a playoff spot from the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
The Kings are 23-17-14 this season, tied for the most overtime losses with the Vegas Golden Knights – the Pacific Division leader with 64 points. The Kings are just behind with 60 points.
This next chapter for Panarin marks the end of a seven-year stint with the Rangers, who were unable to reach the Stanley Cup despite recent success. Panarin was a key piece in that, including a 120-point 2023-24 campaign in which New York won the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record.
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) skates over the blue against the New York Islanders in the first period at UBS Arena on April 10, 2025. (Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Photos)
The Rangers fell to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games that season.
This season, Panarin has scored 19 goals with 38 assists for 57 points despite the Rangers’ struggles.
