ESPN sources: The LA Kings have acquired standout forward Artemi Panarin from the NY Rangers in e...
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About the Creator
Adam Schefter is a renowned NFL insider at ESPN, celebrated for his rapid and precise reporting on league transactions. Though primarily focused on football, his occasional NHL scoops, like this blockbuster trade, carry immense credibility due to his vast network and history of accurate leaks. His straightforward, fact-driven style garners massive attention across sports.
What's This About?
The post announces a stunning NHL trade where the New York Rangers sent star forward Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional 2026 third-round pick (potentially upgrading to second with playoff success), and a conditional 2028 fourth-round pick, with the Rangers retaining 50% of his salary.[1][2][3] Panarin, a 34-year-old Russian winger in the final year of his $11.6M AAV contract, quickly signed a two-year, $22M extension (AAV $11M) with the Kings, providing immediate scoring punch amid their win-now push.[2][3] This move stems from the Rangers' midseason retool after a disappointing campaign, honoring Panarin's no-movement clause and his desire to join LA just before the NHL's Olympic roster freeze on Feb. 4, 2026.[1][4]
🔥Why It's Trending
The trade dropped on February 4, 2026, mere minutes before the NHL's pre-Olympic roster freeze at 3 PM ET, igniting massive buzz as one of the deadline's biggest deals involving a perennial All-Star.[1][2][4] Schefter's rare NHL bombshell, co-sourced with Emily Kaplan, amplified its viral spread among hockey fans debating if the Rangers got 'fleeced' for a star.[5][11] With playoffs looming and Olympic implications, the timing fuels heated discussions on team strategies and Panarin's Kings fit.[3][6]
💡Fun Facts
- 1Panarin has racked up 321 goals and 927 points in 804 NHL games, pacing Rangers skaters in even-strength and power-play production since 2019.[1][3]
- 2The trade slipped under the Olympic freeze wire, pausing most moves until Feb. 22, making it a last-second stunner.[1][2][4]
- 3Rangers held Panarin out since Jan. 26, anticipating the deal after announcing their retool and no extension plans.[2]
- 4Liam Greentree, the key return, is a 20-year-old OHL winger on pace for 90 points this season after 119 last year.[5]
- 5Panarin notched 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this year, with 38 assists leading NY; he's hit 80+ points seven career times.[2][3]
📚Read More
Kings trade for Rangers
The Rangers on Wednesday traded forward Artemi Panarin to the Kings, who gave him a two-year, $22 million extension.
LA Kings Acquire Forward Artemi Panarin | Los Angeles Kings
The LA Kings have acquired forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Liam Greentree, a conditional third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Rangers retain 50% of Panarin’s contract through the 2025-26
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/los-angeles-kings-artemi-panarin-new-york-rangers-trade-liam-greentree-pick-nhl-news
https://blueseatblogs.com/2026/02/04/rangers-trade-artemi-panarin-pennies/
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2026/02/kings-to-acquire-artemi-panarin.html
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