Rangers' Panarin traded to Kings at deadline

Star forward leaves New York for two-year, $22 million deal with Los Angeles

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Rangers' roster is frozen during the Olympic break, and one of the franchise's best free agent signings in history, Artemi Panarin, has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings just before the 3 p.m. deadline. Panarin agreed to a two-year, $22 million extension with the Kings, leaving New York for sunny California.

Why it matters

Panarin was one of the Rangers' top players since signing as a free agent in 2019. His departure is a significant loss for the team, which is currently in the playoff hunt. The trade highlights the challenges the Rangers' front office faces in retaining star players, especially when the team is not in a strong negotiating position.

The details

Panarin, who signed with the Rangers as a free agent in 2019, agreed to a two-year, $22 million extension with the Kings just before the 3 p.m. trade deadline on Wednesday. The move comes as the Rangers' roster is frozen during the 20-day Olympic break.

  • Panarin agreed to the extension with the Kings on Wednesday, just before the 3 p.m. trade deadline.
  • The Rangers' roster is frozen for the 20-day Olympic break.

The players

Artemi Panarin

A star forward who signed with the Rangers as a free agent in 2019.

Chris Drury

The Rangers' general manager, who was unable to retain Panarin.

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What they’re saying

“It's as painful a fact to grasp as it is to walk through this arctic blast that has befallen Manhattan.”

— Mollie Walker, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will need to find a way to replace Panarin's production and leadership on the team as they continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Panarin trade highlights the challenges the Rangers' front office faces in retaining star players, especially when the team is not in a strong negotiating position. It underscores the importance of building a strong roster and developing talent from within to avoid losing key players at inopportune times.