Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Kings acquire Artemi Panarin in huge trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 4:29 PM ET

The Bread Man is headed to Los Angeles.

The Kings on Wednesday acquired left winger Artemi Panarin in a trade with the New York Rangers. The Kings are sending former 1st-round pick Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick to New York in return for Panarin.

The trade of Panarin had been expected, as the Rangers had stopped playing the veteran winger ahead of the NHL’s roster freeze. Panarin wanted a trade to Los Angeles, and the sides were able to make it work.

Trade details:

To #GoKingsGo:
Artemi Panarin (50% retained)

To #NYR:
Liam Greentree
Cond. 2026 3rd Rd Pick
Cond. 2028 4th Rd Pick

Panarin camp only presented LA as option. Panarin is expected to complete contract extension shortly with Kings, they had substantive talks leading…
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 4, 2026

Panarin, 34, is a four-time All-Star and has 57 points in 52 games this season. The Rangers are 22-28 this season, which is the worst record in the East. The Kings entered Wednesday 23-17 with 14 overtime losses and 60 points on the season.

Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract. He is set to become a free agent after the season and had indicated to the Rangers that he would not sign a long-term extension with them, which led to his trade. The Kings are said to be close to reaching a 2-year extension with Panarin for $11 million per season.

Panarin spent over six seasons with the Rangers after they had signed him as a free agent in 2019. Panarin spent two seasons with Columbus prior to signing with the Rangers.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: