The NHL trade deadline drama hit another gear today with a blockbuster move: Artemi Panarin is headed to Los Angeles. The Rangers sent the star winger to the Kings in exchange for top prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick, ending weeks of speculation and igniting a flurry of what-could-have-beens across the league.
Now that the dust is beginning to settle, we’re learning more about just how competitive the market was for Panarin-and how close he came to landing somewhere else entirely.
According to multiple reports, the Seattle Kraken made a serious push to land the “Breadman.” Not only were they willing to meet his asking price, they reportedly offered a 3-to-4-year extension worth north of $12 million per year.
That’s a significant commitment-potentially double the term of the two-year, $11 million AAV extension Panarin quickly inked with the Kings. But despite the aggressive pitch, Panarin declined to waive his no-trade clause to head to the Pacific Northwest.
Credit Kraken GM Jason Botterill for swinging big. Seattle is on the playoff bubble and clearly looking to make a splash in their fifth NHL season.
You can’t help but wonder if Shane Wright, the 2022 fourth overall pick, might’ve been part of the conversation. Just a week ago, reports indicated the Kraken were open to moving Wright in exchange for a dynamic top-six winger.
Panarin fits that profile to a tee.
Seattle wasn’t alone in chasing Panarin. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Capitals were all in the mix late.
But in the end, Panarin had his eyes set on Los Angeles. It’s another marquee market for the 32-year-old, who’s already made stops in Chicago and New York.
His preference to head west put Rangers GM Chris Drury in a tough spot-limiting leverage and, by extension, the return.
Still, the Rangers believe they got a gem in Liam Greentree. The 18-year-old is widely regarded as the Kings’ top prospect, and while the return might feel light for a player of Panarin’s caliber, New York is betting big on Greentree’s upside. Time will tell if that gamble pays off.
As for Panarin, don’t expect him to suit up immediately. The Kings wrap up their pre-Olympic schedule tomorrow night in Vegas, but team content manager Zach Dooley confirmed Panarin won’t be rushed into the lineup. All signs point to a debut after the Olympic break, likely in a February 25 rematch against the Golden Knights-this time on home ice.
Around the League:
In Columbus, the Blackhawks are limping into the break-literally. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser exited the game after an awkward collision with Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski.
The contact appeared to land near Kaiser’s knee, and the 23-year-old did not return. That’s a tough blow for a young player who’s quietly carved out a top-four role in Chicago’s defense corps, averaging nearly 20 minutes a night through 56 games.
The hits kept coming for the Hawks. Forward Colton Dach also left the game after being pinned hard into the boards by Erik Gudbranson.
Dach, who has nine points in 51 games this season, is still trying to find his footing at the NHL level, but his physical presence has made him a regular in the lineup. The team has yet to provide a clear update on either player’s status.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets were without one of their top weapons. Kirill Marchenko missed his second straight game due to illness.
The 25-year-old has been a breakout star for Columbus, leading all forwards with 46 points in 50 games. After a 74-point campaign last season, Marchenko has continued his upward trajectory and will look to use the Olympic break to get back to full strength.
Under new head coach Rick Bowness, the Jackets have shown signs of life. If Marchenko returns healthy and the team builds on its recent momentum, Columbus could be a sneaky team to watch down the stretch.
But today, the spotlight belongs to Los Angeles. With Panarin in the fold, the Kings just added a game-breaking talent to an already dangerous squad. The Western Conference playoff picture just got a whole lot more interesting.