New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, according to ESPN. The veteran forward also agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract.
According to Puck Pedia, the Rangers will retain 50% of Panarin’s remaining salary for this season, or $8 million. If the Kings win at least one playoff round, the conditional pick will become a 2026 second-round pick. The Rangers will also receive a 2028 fourth-round pick if Los Angeles wins both playoff rounds this spring.
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The 34-year-old forward, who can become a free agent this summer, has 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this season. Once it became apparent that the two sides had gone their separate ways, the team left him out of the lineup for the past three games to protect their assets.
Panarin has a no-trade clause in his contract that gives him complete control over his destination. According to reports, he just wants to go to Los Angeles. It is believed that any team seeking to acquire the Russian veteran would have to agree to a contract extension.
The Rangers currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 50 points, while the Kings, with 60 points from 54 games, are just one point away from a Western Conference wild-card spot and three points behind the Anaheim Ducks in third place in the Pacific Division.
This story will be updated.