The New York Rangers have spent much of the midseason handling roster decisions behind the scenes. Discussions about veteran players’ future were in evaluation mode, while the team planned for the future. One of those situations involved Artemi Panarin, whose role and contract status created uncertainty.
That process eventually led to a major trade before the Olympic roster freeze.
How Rangers Contract Uncertainty Pushed Artemi Panarin Toward $22M Kings Trade?
The Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday before the Olympic roster freeze deadline. Los Angeles sent prospect Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks in the deal.
Panarin agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with an $11 million cap hit that runs through the 2027-28 season. The move came after Panarin did not receive a contract extension from the Rangers.
In a conversation with an NHL insider, Elliotte Friedman, Panarin explained how contract talks affected his decision. He said, “I don’t know if I should say this, but I feel like the contract offer (said), ‘We’re not sure if we want you or not.’”
Panarin also shared that communication during the season remained limited, saying, “We talked not much in the beginning before the season starts, and then after, obviously, my start of the season was not great. And then probably we talked in the middle of the year, but not much.”
Four games before the Olympic break, the Rangers scratched Panarin during trade talks. The move helped avoid injury while management explored options.
Los Angeles coach Jim Hiller explained what the Kings expect from their new winger after the trade. He said, “He’s just a dangerous offensive player, somebody, you know, clearly that we’ve been missing and will be a real boost, I think, for our team.”
Hiller also described Panarin as “one of the premier wingers in the League” and someone who can score and create plays for teammates.
Panarin, now in his 11th NHL season, brings a pass-first style built on vision and puck control. Through 52 games this season, he recorded 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time. He also added 158 shots and three game-winning goals.
After the Olympic break, the Kings will face the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. ET. Los Angeles will enter the matchup with a 23-19-14 record, while Vegas holds a 27-16-14 mark.
The game will be an early test for the Kings as they return to action and continue building chemistry with their updated roster.
