Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Artemi Panarin May Have an Unexpected West Coast Option

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 3:00 PM ET

Artemi Panarin’s future is a big topic of league-wide intrigue, and according to Elliotte Friedman, the Los Angeles Kings may be a team worth watching.

Speaking on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted that while Panarin would love to play in Florida, making that scenario work remains extremely difficult. The Florida Panthers would need to navigate significant cap hurdles, and Friedman expressed skepticism that a deal there is realistic.

That uncertainty opens the door for other suitors — including the Los Angeles Kings.

Could the Kings and Holland Make a Play for Panarin?

Friedman suggested Los Angeles is a team he likes in the Pararin conversation. Noting several reasons the organization might want to pursue acquiring him, at the top of the list was the upcoming retirement of Anze Kopitar. He also noted that the Kings have had a challenging year, and internally, there appears to be discussion about whether to push all their chips in now or recalibrate.

If Panarin were to suddenly become an option for them, the Kings might pivot and make one more push. Friedman suggested that Panarin, if made available, could represent the type of offensive star that bridges the gap into a post-Kopitar era.

Friedman noted Panarin would give the Kings another elite offensive weapon to complement players like Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield. There’s also a belief that Panarin’s presence could further elevate Byfield’s development, especially if the two were deployed together.

Does Panarin Want a Big-Money Extension? And, Would the Kings Do It?

One of the more interesting factors in all of this Panarin-to-Kings talk is what Panarin might want in free agency. Friedman reported that there’s a belief that the veteran winger can continue playing at a high level well into his late 30s. That means he might have a certain number in his head on an extension.

If Panarin feels he has another five strong years left, he could potentially set the stage for a four- or five-year contract extension. While exact numbers remain speculative, deals in the $50 million range were floated as a possibility.

Friedman wasn’t sure the Kings would be keen on going there. That led to other options like the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks being mentioned as possible landing spots.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: