This trade rumor had been happening for a while. On Wednesday, it finally happened. We now know where National Hockey League superstar Artemi Panarin of Korkino, Russia has landed. The Rangers have sent Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional third round draft pick in 2026 and prospect Liam Greentree according to TSN.
What are the conditions?
The Rangers receive a second round pick instead of the third round pick if the Kings win a playoff round in 2026. New York also gets a fourth round pick in 2028 if the Kings win two playoff rounds.
Panarin signs extension
Panarin was in the last season of his contract with the Rangers. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent cone July. Panarin’s new contract with the Kings is two years, and $22 million.
Trade had been considered for a while
The fact that Panarin is being traded to the Kings is not a huge surprise. We had discussed last week of Panarin possibly being traded to either the Kings, Carolina Hurricanes or Washington Capitals. It should be noted that Panarin was actually benched by the Rangers because a trade was imminent. Panarin had not played for the Rangers since January 26. In this contest, Panarin set up defenseman William Borgen of Moorhead, Minnesota with the game-tying goal with six minutes and 17 seconds left in the third period in a 4-3 Rangers overtime win over the Boston Bruins.
Fourth NHL franchise
Panarin has previously played two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (rookie of the year in 2015-16), two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the last seven seasons with the New York Rangers where he was an All-Star in 2022-23.
Panarin’s 2025-26 NHL statistics
Panarin has 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 52 games. He is a -16 with 14 penalty minutes, 17 power-play points, three game-winning goals, 158 shots on goal, one faceoff win, 11 blocked shots , eight hits, 15 takeaways, and 69 giveaways.
Who is Liam Greentree?
Greentree was one of the top prospects in the Kings organization. He was the Kings’s first round pick, 26th overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft. Last season Greentree was second in scoring for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. He had 49 goals and 70 assists for 119 points.
Trade Grade
The general feeling is that the Rangers did not get enough. However, I am of the opinion that Greentree has legitimate upside. For now I will give the Kings a trade grade of A- and the Rangers a grade of B-.
