The conclusion of the hockey saga starring Artemi Panarin turned out utterly unexpected. Few anticipated seeing the 34-year-old Rangers forward land in Los Angeles. At the very beginning of this trade narrative, the Californian club had surfaced as a potential suitor for the Russian player, yet they swiftly vanished from view.
Just mere hours before the deal was finalized, our national television networks reported with certainty that Panarin was set to join Carolina, teaming up with Andrei Svechnikov, Alexander Nikishin, and Pyotr Kochetkov. Another source within Russia just as unequivocally announced Panarin’s trade to Tampa Bay, alongside Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevsky.
Reports from overseas media suggested that Panarin himself desired to become a teammate of Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida or reunite in Anaheim with Joel Quenneville—the coach under whom he launched his NHL career with the Chicago team. Meanwhile, many fans were anticipating a move for Panarin to Washington, where he could form a formidable partnership with Alexander Ovechkin.
However, as it transpired, all these suppositions lacked substantial grounding. Following the trade, renowned analyst Molly Walker stated:
“A source within the New York organization informed me that Los Angeles was the sole serious contender for Panarin.”
It should be recalled that the Russian’s contract, signed back in 2019 with an average annual value of $11.64 million, was set to run until June 30, 2026. Panarin sought an immediate extension from his new team. Los Angeles obliged by offering him a two-year deal worth $11 million per season.
The Rangers, initiating a massive organizational overhaul, removed their top forward from the lineup several days prior to prevent any sudden injury before the trade could be executed. In the 2025/26 regular season, Panarin managed to play 52 games, netting 19 goals and tallying 38 assists.
The Russian consistently delivered strong play over recent years, though his output typically dipped in the playoffs. Panarin’s peak season was 2023/24, when, in addition to 120 points (49 goals + 71 assists) in the regular season, he posted 15 points (5 goals + 10 assists) in the Stanley Cup playoffs. At that time, the Rangers were considered genuine title contenders. Currently, the team cannot even realistically aim for a playoff berth, marking the second consecutive year of such struggles.
The club was pressing for the trade because all NHL transactions are suspended between February 4th and 22nd due to the Olympic break. By freeing up significant salary cap space, the Rangers will receive, in return, a conditional third-round draft pick and the rights to Los Angeles prospect Liam Greentree.
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