The New York Rangers traded star winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4, 2026, acquiring prospect Liam Greentree and conditional draft picks in return. This move signals the start of a retool for the last-place Eastern Conference team under general manager Chris Drury. Panarin, 34, signed a two-year, $22 million extension with the Kings.
The New York Rangers' decision to trade Artemi Panarin marks a pivotal shift toward retooling after a disappointing season. On February 4, the Rangers sent the 34-year-old winger, who had a full no-movement clause, to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for 20-year-old prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and a conditional 2028 fourth-round pick. Panarin, in the final year of his contract, had recorded 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games, leading the Rangers in scoring.
This trade follows Drury's January announcement of a retool, prompted by injuries to key players like Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin, and the team's 22-28-6 record, placing them last in the Eastern Conference. Drury's history includes criticized moves, such as trading Pavel Buchnevich for minimal return in 2021 and Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider at low value to the Anaheim Ducks. However, successes like acquiring Frank Vatrano and signing Vincent Trocheck provided temporary boosts.
Greentree, selected 26th overall by the Kings in 2024, captains the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. The 6-foot-3 left-shot winger tallied 116 points in 2024-25 but regressed to 45 points in 34 games this season due to the departure of center Ilya Protas. Drury emphasized valuing established prospects like the 2006-born Greentree over future first-round picks, aligning with a retool around Fox and Shesterkin rather than a full rebuild.
Panarin's departure ends an era; he ranks ninth in Rangers history with 607 points. The Kings, trailing in the Pacific Division, gain an elite playmaker. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan noted the finality allows the team to move forward, focusing on reshaping the roster expeditiously.
"We valued him, a prospect like him, higher than a '26 or '27 first-round pick," Drury said.
The trade's success for New York hinges on Greentree's development, while Drury faces pressure to improve his track record on key deals.
