In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, Artemi Panarin, the undrafted sensation who defied all odds, has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings. But here's where it gets controversial—was this a strategic rebuild for the Rangers, or did they settle for less than Panarin’s value? Let’s dive into the details of this blockbuster deal, the potential of Liam Greentree, and what it means for both franchises moving forward.
After being benched for the last four games, the 34-year-old winger officially ends his Rangers tenure with an impressive 57 points in 52 games this season. Panarin’s legacy in New York is undeniable: he ranks 45th in games played, 14th in goals, 8th in assists, and 9th in points as a Ranger. Across his 804-game NHL career, he’s amassed 927 points (321 goals, 606 assists)—a testament to his undrafted rise to stardom. Now, he joins a Kings team hovering just outside the Western Conference playoff picture with 60 points, trailing the Seattle Kraken (61 points) and Utah Mammoth (62 points).
But here’s the part most people miss: According to ESPN sources, the Rangers received former first-round pick Liam Greentree (26th overall in 2024) and two conditional draft picks in exchange for Panarin. Greentree, a 6-foot-3, 216-pound left-handed winger, has been lighting up the OHL with 45 points in 34 games this season for the Windsor Spitfires. His resume includes a staggering 119-point season last year and 90 points in 2022-23. At just 20 years old, he’s on an entry-level contract with a $942,500 AAV and is projected to be a middle-six winger with a powerful shot and slick puck handling.
However, Greentree isn’t without flaws. While he’s a creative playmaker who thrives in high-traffic areas, his skating and defensive skills are often cited as limitations. During our 2024 Mock Draft Series, opinions were split. Roberto noted, ‘He’s well-rounded but lacks a standout trait, making him a late first-rounder in many eyes.’ Meanwhile, Chris argued, ‘He’s a big-bodied goal scorer with highlight-reel skills, but red flags could push him closer to the second round.’ So, is Greentree a future star or a risky gamble? That’s the million-dollar question.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: The Rangers retained 50% of Panarin’s cap hit for the remainder of the season, and within 30 minutes of the trade, the Kings signed him to a two-year, $11 million extension. The conditional picks? A third-rounder becomes a second if the Kings win a playoff round this year, and a fourth-rounder in 2028 is added if they win two rounds. But here’s the kicker: According to Mollie Walker of The New York Post, the Kings were the only team Panarin wanted to go to. Did the Rangers’ hands get tied, or did they play their cards right?
This deal raises more questions than answers. Was Panarin’s destination preference a factor in the seemingly underwhelming return? Are the Kings now playoff contenders with Panarin in the lineup? And what does Greentree’s future hold in New York? One thing’s for sure: this trade will be debated for years to come. What’s your take? Did the Rangers get enough in return, or did they let Panarin go too cheaply? Let us know in the comments below!
