Rangers Trade Panarin to Kings; Signs 2-Year Contract

The New York Rangers have made a significant move by trading Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. The forward, known for his scoring prowess, has signed a two-year contract with the Kings, marking a pivotal moment for both teams.

Artemi Panarin’s Background

Artemi Panarin, a key player for the Rangers, has been the leading scorer for the franchise since he joined in 2017. During the current season, he has accumulated 57 points, consisting of 19 goals and 38 assists, over 52 games. His career record with the Rangers includes 607 points, which places him ninth in the team’s history.

Playoff Performance

Panarin’s playoff experience is notable, with 35 points from 46 games in the postseason. He has been instrumental in leading the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals in both 2022 and 2024.

Previous Teams and Achievements

• Chicago Blackhawks (2015-2017): Won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2015-16.
• Columbus Blue Jackets (2017-2019): Continued to develop his scoring skills.

Overall, Panarin’s career boasts an impressive 927 points from 804 regular-season games, with 321 goals and 606 assists. His playoff performance includes 61 points from 73 games.

Details of the Trade

In return for Panarin, the Rangers have acquired 20-year-old forward Greentree. Selected by Los Angeles in the first round (No. 26) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Greentree is yet to make his NHL debut. This season, he has tallied 45 points, including 23 goals and 22 assists, in just 34 games with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

Current Standing of the Kings

The Kings have a current record of 23 wins, 17 losses, and 14 overtime losses. They are positioned fifth in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference playoffs. Los Angeles will face Seattle on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET in a crucial matchup.

Recent Trades

Earlier this season, the Rangers also traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders on January 26. Soucy made his debut with the Islanders against the Rangers shortly after, on January 28. He is currently in the final year of a three-year contract worth $9.75 million, which he signed with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2023.

The ramifications of these trades will be important for both franchises as they look toward the future and aim for success in the ongoing NHL season.