Artemi Panarin Traded to Los Angeles Kings: Details of the Deal and Contract Revealed
Artemi Panarin has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings in a deal that includes a conditional 2026 third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree. The veteran forward has agreed to a two-year contract worth $22 million. The Rangers will retain 50% of Panarin's salary for this season, which is $8 million. The conditional draft pick could become a second-rounder in 2026 if the Kings win a playoff round, and the Rangers will also receive a 2028 fourth-round pick if LA wins two playoff rounds this spring.
Panarin, a 34-year-old forward who can become a free agent this summer, has recorded 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this season. The Rangers decided to hold him out of the lineup for their past three games to safeguard their asset once it was clear that they would part ways. Panarin's contract included a no-trade clause, allowing him to choose his destination, and he reportedly only wanted to go to LA. It was expected that any team interested in acquiring him would need to agree to an extension.
The Rangers currently rank last in the Eastern Conference with 50 points, while the Kings have 60 points in 54 games, placing them one point behind a Western Conference wild-card spot and three points behind the Anaheim Ducks for third place in the Pacific Division. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.