Kings announce contract extension for Artemi Panarin

The Artemi Panarin sweepstakes are officially over, as he was acquired today by the Los Angeles Kings and officially ended widespread speculation that he could end up with a team like the Tampa Bay Lightning or Carolina Hurricanes.

In return, the Kings sent Liam Greentree and conditional third-round pick to the Rangers. The pick reportedly will become a second rounder if the Kings win their first playoff series since 2014, and would become a 2028 conditional fourth (if they win two rounds).

The Kings then moved quickly to make sure that Panarin wasn't just going to be a flash in the pan acquisition for them, signing him to a two year extension with an AAV (average annual value) of $11 million.

The Rangers are also retaining half of Panarin's salary that he's owed for the rest of this year; he could have become a UFA on July 1.

The Kings acquired Panarin today, ending his time with the Rangers just weeks after he was informed by GM Chris Drury that he would not be given a new contract extension.

Panarin started his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie in 2016. But he was traded in an ill-fated deal to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017.

In 2019, just months after helping the Blue Jackets pull off an all-time playoff upset over the Tampa Bay Lightning, he signed a seven year contract with the Rangers.

During his time in New York, they advanced twice to the Eastern Conference Final, but no further.

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