The Artemi Panarin sweepstakes are officially over - and the LA Kings came out on top. In a bold move aimed at jumpstarting their playoff push, the Kings acquired the dynamic Russian winger from the New York Rangers on Wednesday. While the Colorado Avalanche were loosely mentioned in early trade chatter, it’s clear now they were never truly in the running.
But just because Panarin didn’t land in Denver doesn’t mean this trade doesn’t touch the Avalanche. In fact, it could have ripple effects well beyond the regular season.
Let’s start with the obvious: Colorado and LA still have one more regular-season meeting, set for March 2. That’ll likely be the Avalanche’s first look at Panarin in a Kings sweater.
But the real intrigue? It lies in what could happen after the regular season wraps.
As of Wednesday night, the Kings sat just one point out of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. So yes, this move was as much about the now as it was about the future. LA’s front office is betting that Panarin’s elite playmaking and scoring touch can help push them over the line and into the postseason.
Now, let’s play out a potential scenario: the Kings sneak into the playoffs as the second wild card team. Meanwhile, the Avalanche hold onto the top seed in the West. That would set up a first-round showdown between Colorado and a suddenly more dangerous LA squad - with Panarin front and center.
Sound familiar? It should.
Avalanche fans will remember what happened last postseason, when Mikko Rantanen went on an absolute tear. Could Panarin flip the script this time and be the one lighting up the scoreboard against Colorado?
It’s not out of the question.
Of course, there’s a lot of hockey to be played between now and then. The Kings’ playoff hopes are far from locked in.
According to MoneyPuck, they’ve got a 73.5% chance of making the postseason - solid, but hardly a guarantee. Injuries, slumps, and the always-chaotic Western Conference race could all shift the picture quickly.
But let’s say the Kings do get in. How would they match up against the Avalanche?
Well, for starters, they’re not the Dallas Stars - the team that gave Colorado fits last postseason. The Stars were deep, balanced, and could roll out four lines with confidence.
The Kings? Not quite the same story.
Depth has been a concern in LA, and it’s been magnified in the playoffs. Head coach Jim Hiller has drawn criticism for shortening his bench when the stakes rise. Last spring, the Kings coughed up a 2-0 series lead to the Edmonton Oilers, largely because they couldn't hang with Edmonton’s depth and speed over a full seven-game grind.
Hiller’s tendency to lean heavily on just seven or eight forwards and four defensemen late in games has raised eyebrows. And against a team like Colorado - which can come at you in waves - that’s a dangerous game to play.
The Avalanche are built to wear teams down. Nathan MacKinnon’s line doesn’t need 20 minutes a night to dominate.
The second line is lethal in its own right, and Colorado’s bottom six is arguably one of the deepest in the league. Add in a goaltending tandem of MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, and it’s clear: this is a team designed for a deep run.
So yes, Artemi Panarin is a big-time addition for the Kings. He brings elite skill, playoff experience, and a game-breaking presence that LA has been missing. But even with Panarin in the fold, the Kings would be heavy underdogs in a potential first-round matchup with the Avalanche.
Still, that March 2 matchup is worth circling on the calendar. It could be a preview of what’s to come - a chance to see how Panarin fits into LA’s system, and how the Avalanche plan to contain him if their paths cross again in April.