Rangers Accelerate Retool as Kings Display Urgency

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 5, 2026 6:10 AM ET

Rangers Accelerate Retool as Kings Display Urgency

The Los Angeles Kings have made a significant move in the NHL, acquiring star winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. This trade, finalized just before the roster freeze, aims to enhance the Kings’ playoff prospects as veteran captain Anze Kopitar approaches retirement.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Kings received: Artemi Panarin (50% salary retained)
New York Rangers received: Liam Greentree, conditional 2026 third-round pick, and conditional 2028 fourth-round pick

Impact of the Trade

Panarins’s arrival serves to invigorate a Kings offense that has struggled this season, ranking among the worst in scoring. With a cap hit of $5.82 million through 2026 and a subsequent $11 million cap hit through 2028, his two-year contract extension is timed well with Kopitar’s impending departure.

Panarins’s impressive record includes averaging 67 assists and 101 points per 82 games during his tenure in New York. He stands as a top offensive contributor, having garnered 607 points in Rangers history, a benchmark surpassed only by a handful of elite players.

What This Means for the Kings

While acquiring Panarin bolsters the Kings’ immediate scoring capabilities, questions linger regarding the long-term direction of the team. With an aging roster featuring several players over 35, including Drew Doughty and Darcy Kuemper, the Kings face challenges down the road. Panarin’s performance is crucial for developing younger players like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke.

New York Rangers’ Perspective

For the Rangers, the return for Panarin includes promising prospect Liam Greentree, who has made a name for himself in the OHL. However, the lack of high-profile assets in this trade has left fans dissatisfied. Greentree, while talented, may take time to adjust to the NHL pace.

Additionally, the conditional picks add another layer to the deal, with the franchise hoping for deeper playoff success to maximize their returns. As Panarin had significant trade control, the Rangers were limited in their options, which ultimately impacted their negotiation leverage.

Conclusion

This trade illustrates the urgency of both franchises. The Kings aim to maximize their potential before entering a rebuild, while the Rangers initiate a retooling phase that has many fans questioning the value of the return. Will Panarin turn the Kings’ fortunes around? Only time will tell.