Artemi Panarin’s Impact on Kings Playoff Aspirations After Trade from Rangers

Artemi Panarin’s transition to the Los Angeles Kings following his trade from the New York Rangers just before the NHL’s Olympic break has been anything but smooth. The skilled winger has openly admitted to struggling with the adjustment, noting, “I was thinking too much. I have trouble when I start thinking.” As he prepares for his first game back at Madison Square Garden, Panarin finds himself in a crucial position to help the Kings make a playoff push in the competitive Western Conference.

Panarin’s arrival has injected fresh energy into a Kings team that is eager to climb the standings. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper expressed the excitement around the locker room, stating, “There’s a lot of excitement when you add a guy like that. The energy that it boosts into a team… when you have a guy like that, you feel like you have a chance to win every night.” With Panarin on the roster, the Kings have already seen a notable uptick in their offensive output, scoring almost half a goal per game more than before his arrival.

Before Panarin joined, the Kings were languishing just three points from the playoff picture, and after a loss to New Jersey on Saturday night, they find themselves one point out of the final wild card spot. The team’s recent coaching change, which saw D.J. Smith promoted to head coach after the firing of Jim Hiller, has also contributed to a renewed sense of purpose on the ice.

General manager Ken Holland made strategic moves leading up to the March 6 trade deadline, reshaping the roster by trading Corey Perry and Warren Foegele while bringing in forward Scott Laughton. However, Panarin was the crown jewel of Holland’s acquisitions, costing a conditional third-round pick and a prospect. The 34-year-old signed a two-year, $22 million extension, ensuring he remains a key player for the Kings through 2028.

Settling into Los Angeles, Panarin expressed his satisfaction with the team and the city, saying, “I tried to be without expectations. I think it’s better than what I expected. The team is better than what I expected.” His excitement is palpable, as he recognizes the talent surrounding him and the potential for success.

While Panarin’s offensive prowess is undeniable, the coaching staff is focused on allowing him the freedom to excel. Coach Smith emphasized the importance of playing to Panarin’s strengths, stating, “He’s able to make a lot of plays, and he’s able to make plays that other guys can’t — and you’ve got to give him the freedom to do so.” This approach aims to maximize Panarin’s creativity while also encouraging him to take responsibility on the ice.

In New York, Panarin had been the team’s leading scorer since joining the Rangers on a lucrative seven-year deal in 2019. However, with the team seemingly headed for another playoff miss, GM Chris Drury opted for a retooling process, ultimately leading to Panarin’s departure. Reflecting on the situation, he remarked, “They did not make any offer. That’s the difference.” The Kings, on the other hand, provided the opportunity he sought, both in terms of fit and financial security, allowing Panarin to embrace his new role in Southern California.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Panarin is focused on enjoying his time in L.A., stating, “Especially in my situation at 34, I should live a few years somewhere if I want it. I don’t want to put myself in the position where I get home from the hockey rink being sad about city, about team, or something.” For Panarin, it seems that the only sadness he feels is about taxes.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.