The Athletic Hockey Show Artemi Panarin traded to the Los Angeles Kings | Instant Reaction
Feb 4, 2026
Peter Baugh, Hockey reporter and analyst who breaks down fit and performance. Vince Mercogliano, sports reporter known for roster and front-office context. They react to Artemi Panarin's trade to Los Angeles, debate why the return looked light, explain timing and roster constraints, and assess how Panarin could slot into the Kings' top lines and power play.
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Panarin Controlled The Market
- The Rangers had almost no leverage because Artemi Panarin and his agent controlled the process and chose his destination.
- That dynamic kept New York from extracting a big return and made the outcome feel underwhelming.
Kings Prioritized Immediate Scoring
- The Kings signed Panarin to a two-year, $11M AAV extension, betting on immediate scoring uplift despite limited long-term system depth.
- Los Angeles prioritized adding top-line firepower over sacrificing major prospect capital.
Wrap Low-Leverage Deals Early
- The Rangers wanted to conclude the Panarin deal early to focus on higher-leverage trades like Trocheck and Schneider.
- Do prioritize maximizing returns on controllable assets rather than holding on to retiring leverage.