Artemi Panarin Trade Buzz: Could the Kings Be a Surprise Contender?
Artemi Panarin’s future is once again stirring up league-wide interest - and this time, there’s a new team to keep an eye on. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Los Angeles Kings could be a legitimate player if Panarin becomes available.
Let’s unpack what that could mean.
Florida Dream, But a Tight Cap Reality
Panarin reportedly has interest in playing in Florida, but that dream comes with a hefty logistical price tag. The Panthers are already navigating a tight salary cap situation, and adding a player of Panarin’s caliber - and contract - would take some serious maneuvering. As of now, it doesn’t sound like a Florida deal is anywhere close to realistic.
That opens the door for other teams to step in. And that’s where the Kings enter the conversation.
Why the Kings Make Sense
Friedman pointed to several reasons why Los Angeles could make a push for Panarin, starting with the looming retirement of franchise cornerstone Anze Kopitar. With Kopitar nearing the end of his storied career, the Kings are at a bit of a crossroads: do they go all-in one more time, or do they start reshaping the roster for the next era?
Panarin could be the bridge between those two timelines.
He’s still producing at an elite level, and dropping him into a lineup that already features Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield could give the Kings a dynamic top-six group. There’s also the added benefit of what Panarin might do for Byfield’s development. Pairing the veteran winger with the young center could fast-track Byfield’s growth into a top-line force - and that’s something the Kings front office has to be intrigued by.
The Money Question
Of course, any potential move for Panarin comes with a big financial question: what kind of contract is he looking for?
According to Friedman, there’s a belief that Panarin feels he can continue playing at a high level well into his late 30s. If that’s the case, he might be eyeing a four- or five-year extension - potentially in the ballpark of $50 million.
That’s a significant commitment, especially for a player who would be entering his mid-30s when the deal kicks in. It’s unclear whether the Kings would be willing to go that far, especially with other roster needs and cap considerations in play.
If Los Angeles balks at the price tag, other teams like the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks could enter the mix. Both have cap flexibility and are in different stages of their rebuilds, which could make them interesting options depending on Panarin’s priorities - whether that’s contending now, setting up for a long-term run, or maximizing his next contract.
What Comes Next?
For now, this is all hypothetical. Panarin hasn’t officially hit the market, and there’s no indication that a move is imminent. But the fact that teams like the Kings are already being linked to him says a lot about how highly regarded he still is around the league.
If Los Angeles decides to make a push, it would signal that they’re not ready to take a step back - not with players like Kempe, Byfield, and Kevin Fiala in their prime. Adding Panarin to that mix could give the Kings the offensive firepower they’ve been missing and help them stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Bottom line: If Panarin becomes available, don’t sleep on the Kings. They might just be ready to make a bold move - one that could define their post-Kopitar era.