Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 2:59pm

PANARIN PICKED UP BY THE KINGS!

The Los Angeles Kings acquired winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers for winger Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round draft pick in 2026 and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2028.

What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
Wow! The Rangers' leading scorer heads west to a Kings team that desperately needs more offense. Panarin should provide that for LA in their quest to make the playoffs. He is a dynamic winger who is expected to sign an extension with the Kings. With captain Anze Kopitar winding his NHL career down this season, LA needed a new player to build around. But can they build around a winger who will turn 35 later this year? Either way, Panarin is a massive upgrade for the Kings.

What does it give the New York Rangers
For the Rangers, this trade is the definition of underwhelming. Panarin was their offensive catalyst, so losing him will hurt for seasons to come. Greentree is a quality winger prospect who represented Canada at the 2026 WJC. He is likely a season or two away from becoming an NHL regular. The conditional third-rounder this year can become a second-rounder if LA wins a playoff series this spring. They will need to win two series in order to send the fourth-rounder in '28 to New York.

Fantasy impact
Panarin's Rangers were struggling to score this season, which is exactly the situation in Los Angeles at this time. Therefore, his fantasy value remains steady. His decline will obviously happen but he could age more gracefully than many other players pushing 35. As for Greentree, he is a solid winger prospect with pretty good fantasy upside. However, do not expect him to play in the NHL next season.