Artemi Panarin trade signals two different approaches for Kings, Rangers 

According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals made offers, but Panarin informed New York that the Kings were his preferred destination. 

Panarin gets awarded an extension as part of the trade 

Panarin's choice also likely came down to money and what a potential extension would look like. He's reportedly going to receive a two-year deal and $11 million per season from the Kings, again per Kaplan.

The move also signals a desire to start winning quickly by the Kings and a clear realization that it's time for the Rangers to undergo a total rebuild. 

Los Angeles Kings are clearly going all-in 

Despite currently being outside the Western Conference playoff picture at 23-17-14 and fifth in the Pacific Division with 60 points, the addition of a player of the caliber of Panarin could see the Kings propel up the standings after the upcoming Olympic hiatus. The Kings are only one point out of a wild-card spot and four points away from the division lead.

However, the decision to unload a top prospect and pay Panarin shows Ken Holland is trying to make Los Angeles an instant contender as soon as possible, ushering in a completely new era of Kings hockey after Anze Kopitar's impending retirement at the conclusion of this season. 

A total rebuild is coming for New York Rangers

On the other hand, New York closes their Panarin chapter after 6.5 seasons. Though the Rangers failed to reach a Stanley Cup Final with Panarin, they came within two games just two years ago. But a sluggish 2025-26 season, which has the Rangers at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division at 22-28-6, led to a willingness to acquire value for a star player in the final year of a contract and likely months away from leaving as a free agent. 

To his credit, Panarin is still an extremely productive player. He's scored 19 goals and recorded 38 assists, giving him 57 points through 52 games so far this season. He put up 89 points last season and a career-high 120 while playing all 82 games in 2023-24.