Rangers Trade Panarin to Kings; Signs 2-Year Contract
In a significant move, the New York Rangers have traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. Panarin has been the Rangers’ leading scorer since joining the team, showcasing remarkable talent and consistency on the ice.
Panarin’s Performance and Career Highlights
This season, Panarin has recorded 57 points, comprising 19 goals and 38 assists, over 52 games. His contributions have solidified his place in Rangers’ history, making him ninth overall with 607 points—205 goals and 402 assists.
- Career Regular-Season Stats: 927 points (321 goals, 606 assists) in 804 games
- Playoff Performance: 61 points (21 goals, 40 assists) in 73 games
- Calder Trophy Winner: 2015-16, awarded as NHL rookie of the year
Notably, he played two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and two with the Columbus Blue Jackets before joining the Rangers.
Upcoming Challenges for the Kings
The Kings, currently fifth in the Pacific Division with a record of 23-17-14, hope Panarin will bolster their playoff chances. They are only one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
This week, the Kings are set to visit the Kraken on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.
Greentree’s Potential Impact
The Kings also acquired a promising young forward, 20-year-old Greentree. Selected as the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, he has yet to make his NHL debut. In the Ontario Hockey League this season, Greentree has achieved 45 points, with 23 goals and 22 assists in just 34 games.
Recent Transactions
The Rangers previously executed a trade involving Carson Soucy, who moved to the New York Islanders on January 26. Soucy, a 31-year-old defenseman, has begun his tenure with the Islanders, debuting against the Rangers shortly after the trade.
He is finishing the final season of a three-year deal worth $9.75 million, which he signed with the Vancouver Canucks in July 2023. Following this season, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
With these strategic moves, both teams aim to position themselves for success as the playoff race heats up.
