Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland Banks on Artemi Panarin to Replace Injured Kevin Fiala in Playoff Push

Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland committed to a long-term vision when acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers, refusing to treat the star winger as a rental player. The trade became even more critical after Kevin Fiala suffered a broken leg while playing for Switzerland at the Winter Olympics.

Holland sent forward Liam Greentree and a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Rangers for Panarin just minutes before the Olympic roster freeze took effect earlier this month. The Kings immediately signed Panarin to a two-year, $22 million contract extension.

Ken Holland made it clear that no rental would be allowed for Artemi Panarin

Holland explained his decision to extend Panarin rather than acquire him for a playoff push only. "Obviously, we made the deal today to make our team better," Holland said after the trade. "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."

The veteran general manager emphasized that Panarin wanted to find a permanent home rather than becoming a short-term addition. "He wanted to find a home, so we're thrilled that he wanted to waive the no-trade clause to come to LA," Holland added.

Holland expressed optimism about extending Panarin beyond the initial two years. "We're happy that we were able to get him 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," he said.

The Kings' GM justified the price paid by pointing to Panarin's elite track record and availability. "I think it was just a matter of these types of players with this resume being very, very difficult to find, and we had an opportunity to add one today," Holland explained.

The addition became crucial when Fiala went down with a season-ending injury at Milano Cortina 2026. Fiala had produced 18 goals and 40 points in 55 games before the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season.

Panarin brings similar offensive numbers with 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this season. He hadn't played since January 26 after the Rangers pulled him from the lineup in anticipation of a trade.

Panarin is expected to make his Kings debut Wednesday when Los Angeles hosts the Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings sit outside the playoff picture with 26 games remaining, trailing the Anaheim Ducks by three points for the final wild-card spot.

Los Angeles also sits three points behind the Seattle Kraken for third place in the Pacific Division and four points back of the Edmonton Oilers for second in the crowded playoff race. The NHL trade market reopened Monday as the Olympic roster freeze lifted, with the deadline set for March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.


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