As the NHL heads into its pre-Olympic roster freeze, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at a potential crossroads. With the trade deadline looming in early March, all eyes are on GM Ken Holland and whether he’s ready to make a splash - and the name at the center of it all is Artemi Panarin.
The Kings have reportedly been one of the more active teams in exploring a potential deal for the New York Rangers star forward. And it’s not just about renting Panarin for a playoff push - the talk is that any team trading for him would likely need to be ready to offer a long-term extension, one that could push into double-digit millions in average annual value.
That’s a serious commitment, but Panarin’s production this season makes it easy to see why he’s drawing so much attention. Through 51 games, he’s posted 19 goals and 37 assists - over 50 points on a Rangers team that’s had its share of struggles in the Metropolitan Division. He’s still driving play, still creating offense at an elite level, and still the kind of player who can tilt the ice in your favor every time he hops over the boards.
For the Kings, who’ve been having what’s been described as “difficult conversations” internally about their roster makeup, Panarin represents a potential game-changer. This is a team that’s been solid but not spectacular - good enough to stay in the playoff mix in the Pacific Division, but not quite convincing as a true contender.
They just wrapped up a five-game East Coast road trip with a 3-1-1 record, picking up key points against teams like the Flyers and Hurricanes. That’s the kind of stretch that keeps them in the hunt, but also highlights the need for a little more firepower up front.
Enter Panarin - a proven top-six forward who can instantly elevate a team’s offensive ceiling. The Kings have talent, but adding a dynamic playmaker like Panarin could be the piece that helps unlock another level, especially come playoff time. Whether it’s finishing chances on the power play, setting up linemates in the offensive zone, or simply being a consistent threat every shift, Panarin checks a lot of boxes.
Of course, the Kings aren’t alone in this pursuit. According to reports, as many as six teams are seriously in the mix for Panarin, including the Red Wings, Sharks, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Capitals. Each of those franchises is evaluating not just what Panarin can bring on the ice, but what it would take financially to keep him around long-term.
And that’s where things get tricky. Other Western Conference teams like the Stars, Avalanche, and Ducks are reportedly interested but hesitant to commit to a big-money extension. That hesitation could give the Kings an edge - if they’re willing to go all-in and offer Panarin the kind of deal he’s seeking.
But that’s the crux of the conversation in L.A. right now. Is this the moment to push the chips in? Is Panarin the piece that turns the Kings from a good team into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender?
There’s no easy answer. The Kings are trending in the right direction, but they’re not yet a finished product. Head coach Jim Hiller has this group playing competitive hockey, but adding a player of Panarin’s caliber would signal a clear shift toward a win-now mindset.
This isn’t just about making the playoffs - it’s about making noise once they get there. And if Holland believes Panarin can be that difference-maker, then this could be the bold move that defines the Kings' season.
The clock is ticking. The roster freeze hits Wednesday afternoon, and the trade deadline isn’t far behind. If the Kings are serious about making a run, this might be their moment to take a big swing.