Kings Land Star Forward Artemi Panarin from Rangers in Trade for Liam Greentree

The Los Angeles Kings made a trade with the New York Rangers on Wednesday, acquiring star forward Artemi Panarin on the eve of the NHL’s Olympic player freeze. The Rangers will send the 34-year-old Russian winger to Los Angeles in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree, a 2024 first-round draft pick, and a conditional third-round selection in the 2024 draft.

The 34-year-old Panarin agreed to a two-year extension worth $22 million with the Los Angeles Kings, with a cap hit of $11 million per year. The Rangers will retain half of Panarin’s remaining $11.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Panarin has 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this season, leading the Rangers in scoring despite their struggles on the ice.

The trade was finalized just before the 3 pm deadline on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Emily Kaplan, who first reported the trade. The Rangers had kept Panarin out of their last three games leading up to the trade.

ESPN sources: The LA Kings have acquired standout forward Artemi Panarin from the NY Rangers in exchange for a conditional third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, per me and @emilymkaplan. pic.twitter.com/2PuTENRhEH

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 4, 2026

Rangers Trade Top Playmaker Amid Disappointing Season

The Rangers are last in the Eastern Conference with a 22-28-6 record on the ice this season. The Rangers had made plans to retool this past offseason after their general manager, Chris Drury, sent a letter to Rangers fans detailing their plans.

The Rangers will receive a second-round draft pick if the Los Angeles Kings win a playoff round this spring. If the Kings win two rounds in the spring, the Rangers will receive a 2028 fourth-round draft pick, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston.

Panarin was in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, which he signed in 2019. The contract also includes a full no-movement clause. According to reports, the left winger only waived his protection for the Los Angeles team.

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan spoke about the issue involving Panarin’s absence at the team. “Obviously, he’s one of the best Rangers of his generation, and he’s not an easy guy to replace. It forces all of us to look in the mirror and try to figure out how we can all do a better job.”

The Russian forward has scored a total of 321 goals and 927 points in his 804-game career. During the 2023-24 season, he achieved a career-high of 120 points, which placed him fifth in the Hart Trophy.

Greentree Brings Size and Scoring Punch to New York’s Prospect Pool

Greentree was the team captain for the Windsor Spitfires this season, where he scored 45 points in 34 games. The 6’3″, 216-pound winger was the team’s top prospect and was selected 26th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.

Greentree scored 119 points in 64 games during the 2024-25 OHL season. His 49 goals and 70 assists made him the third-leading scorer in the league. He won the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy for his leadership and was also a First All-Star selection.

Greentree helped lead the Canadian team to a gold medal at the 2024 World U18 Championship. He was also named to the Canadian roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship in December.

The 20-year-old possesses a strong shot and puck protection skills. His physical build enables him to protect the puck well in traffic, though his skating stride is something that needs work for the professional game.

The New York team now waits for Greentree’s arrival while trying to salvage what’s left of their lost season. Los Angeles gets a proven goal-scorer to aid their push for the playoffs with Panarin locked up past this season.