Breaking: LA Kings Acquire Artemi Panarin from NY Rangers
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired standout forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for a conditional third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, sources confirm.
The Trade
Panarin, 33, is a four-time All-Star and the 2016 Calder Trophy winner. This season he has 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 48 games and remains one of the league's elite playmakers. He carries an $11.6 million cap hit and holds a full no-move clause, which gave him significant control over his destination. The Rangers had decided not to extend Panarin's contract and were working with him on a trade to a preferred destination. GM Chris Drury has shifted the team into retool mode, and Panarin's no-move clause meant he could veto any deal that didn't fit his plans.
Why the Kings Made the Move
The Kings have been searching for offensive firepower—they're averaging 2.54 goals per game and needed a scoring boost. Panarin provides immediate top-line production and elite playmaking. Los Angeles had $11.58 million in cap space and can absorb his cap hit through retention or creative structuring.
What the Rangers Get
Liam Greentree was the Kings' No. 1 prospect and their first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound left-shot forward from Oshawa, Ontario played for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL and posted 90 points (36 goals, 54 assists) in 64 games in 2023-24. He earned OHL Third All-Star Team honors and won gold at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 World Junior Championship. Scouts praise his elite shooting, strong physical presence, and top-six forward upside, though his defensive game is still developing. The conditional third-round pick adds flexibility for the Rangers as they retool their roster.
Bottom Line
The Kings land a proven star to boost their attack; the Rangers add a high-ceiling prospect and a draft pick as they pivot toward the future. Panarin's no-move clause ensured he had a say—and Los Angeles was a destination he approved. *Sources: NHL trade reporting (USA Today, Sporting News, NHL Trade Rumors), Hockey-Reference, draft/scouting coverage (Mayors Manor, LetsGoKings). Fact-checked February 7, 2026.*