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Artemi Panarin Signs Discount Extension with Kings Following Trade

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 4:09 PM ET

The Artemi Panarin trade is now complete, and so is his contract extension. As per reports, Panarin’s new deal with the Kings is for two years and worth $11 million per season.

Frank Seravalli is among a handful of insiders who are also reporting that Panarin left the Rangers with little choice as to where he wanted to be traded. “Other teams had been prepared to offer in the neighborhood of 4-years x $11.75m, which is how you know Los Angeles was his preferred destination,” writes Seravalli.

Darren Dreger added, “Panarin had full leverage in encouraging the trade to LA. The Kings are the only team he wanted to go to. 50% retained is nice work by Holland. Extension in the works.”

Ultimately, Panarin got exactly what he wanted. With full leverage over the process, he steered himself to Los Angeles, where the Kings were willing to offer a contract that made him happy and was a preferred destination.

The two-year, $11 million AAV extension shows how much of a discount Panarin was willing to take to go to a place he felt comfortable. It also confirms LA’s commitment to making a win-now push. Holland did well to get the 50 percent salary retention is part of the deal, making the gamble far more manageable.

The fact that he also got Panarin for only two seasons minimizes any real risk that the winger’s production will plummet when he gets into his late 30s.

For the Kings, it’s a bold swing at elite offense; for Panarin, it’s a clear bet on fit, opportunity, and a contender he hand-picked.

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

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