“He wanted to find a home!”: Los Angeles Kings GM opens up on forward Artemi Panarin’s big NHL trade

After a long wait, NHL star forward Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings by the New York Rangers on Wednesday and signed a two-year, $22 million contract, as reported by the NHL. This move was a part of the New York Rangers, who are currently going through a significant roster shake-up, and the team was also preparing to move a high-profile player. They have apparently decided to scratch star forward Artemi Panarin in a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena the previous week.

As per reports, the Rangers have acquired forward prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. According to the NHL, it is believed that if the Kings win one playoff round this season, the pick will become a second-round pick. If Los Angeles wins two playoff rounds, New York will also receive a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Artemi Panarin, who is in the last year of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract, has reportedly waived his full no-movement clause to join the Kings. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers will retain 50 percent of his remaining salary.

Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland and Chris Drury open up on Artemi Panarin’s big trade move

As the LA Kings have acquired NHL star forward Artemi Panarin with a two-year, $22 million contract, as reported by the NHL on Thursday. Artemi Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, with $11.64 million in average annual value.

Earlier, 14 teams have expressed interest in Panarin, including Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Vegas, Dallas, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, Seattle, Toronto, Carolina, Washington, Tampa Bay, and the New York Islanders. However, the LA Kings have finally acquired the star forward.


“Obviously, we made the deal today to make our team better,” Ken Holland said to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. He further stated, “We signed him to a two-year extension. We weren’t going to do it as a rental. He didn’t want to go anywhere as a rental. He wanted to find a home, so we’re thrilled that he wanted to waive the no-trade (clause) to come to LA.

The GM added lastly, “We’re happy that we were able to get him to a two-year extension, and after two years, I’m hoping that we’re working on another extension, but (I’ll) worry about that down the road. I think it was just a matter of these types of players with this resume are very, very difficult to find, and we had an opportunity to add one today.”

Besides, it is also reported that the GM has confirmed that Panarin would not play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday in the Kings' final game. This marks the last game before the break for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, but he will appear with the team at their next scheduled practice on February 18, 2026.


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