Artemi Panarin’s whirlwind stretch of trade rumors finally came to an end Wednesday when the superstar winger was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings. Panarin had been one of the biggest names on the trade market. But before Los Angeles sealed the deal, another contender made a serious push to bring him aboard, and it came from a familiar face.
Stanley Cup Veteran Made His Pitch to Panarin
According to Panarin, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane did everything he could to recruit his former teammate to Hockeytown.
Panarin was acquired by the Kings in a trade that sent Liam Greentree, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and a 2028 fourth-round pick the other way. Yet behind the scenes, Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks, was actively trying to convince Panarin to join the Detroit Red Wings.
The two share a long history. Kane and Panarin formed one of the NHL’s most dangerous duos during their time together in Chicago from 2015 to 2017. Despite early language barriers, the pair quickly developed strong chemistry on the ice and a close friendship off it.
Speaking at his introductory press conference, Panarin revealed just how persistent Kane had been. He said Kane was texting him nearly every day, urging him to come to Detroit. Panarin joked that he kept saying no, partly because he “hated” him, said with a laugh.
Detroit would have made sense on the ice, sitting third in the Atlantic and pushing for a deep playoff run. Still, Panarin chose Los Angeles after doing his homework on the Kings, including talks with former Rangers teammate Vladislav Gavrikov.
“I was actually nervous,” Panarin admitted Thursday. “They waited pretty long, I feel like. I’ve been a free agent before, so it felt kind of similar. I was ready for it to happen, but also ready for it not to happen and to wait until after the Olympic break.”
He even joked that if Los Angeles hadn’t come through, he might have gone back to Russia.
Panarin’s full no-movement clause gave him complete control over where he could be traded. And that power played a major role in his decision. His top priority was landing with a team willing to commit to him. He had no interest in becoming an unrestricted free agent again.
The Kings did exactly that, signing Panarin to a two-year, $22 million contract extension as part of the move.
Now in Los Angeles, Panarin joins a Kings team just three points out of a Western Conference Wild Card spot. With his elite playmaking and scoring touch added to the lineup, the Kings’ playoff chances received a significant boost.
