UPDATE: The Los Angeles Kings are banking on star winger Artemi Panarin to drive them into the playoffs after his recent trade from the New York Rangers. Just before the NHL’s Olympic break in early February, Panarin, 34, joined the Kings, and his performance will be crucial as the team battles for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Panarin’s transition has been challenging. “I was thinking too much,” he admitted. “I have trouble when I start thinking.” As he prepares for his first game back at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, his adjustment is vital for the Kings, who are just one point behind the final wild card spot after a recent loss to New Jersey.
The Kings’ offensive performance has surged since Panarin’s arrival. They are scoring nearly half a goal more per game with him than without, transforming their previously stagnant offense. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper noted the excitement Panarin brings, stating, “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.”
Panarin recorded 12 points in his first 10 games with the Kings, showing immediate impact. His addition comes amid significant changes within the team, including the firing of coach Jim Hiller and the promotion of D.J. Smith. These moves have revitalized the Kings, bringing a new style of play and improved morale.
On March 6, just before the trade deadline, GM Ken Holland reshaped the roster to better fit Panarin’s skills, trading away Corey Perry and Warren Foegele, while acquiring forward Scott Laughton. The Kings landed Panarin, a player with 939 points in 814 regular-season games, for a conditional third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, a bargain for a player of his caliber.
Panarin signed a two-year, $22 million extension as part of the trade, securing his future with the Kings through 2028. He expressed enthusiasm about his new team, stating, “I think it’s better than what I expected… Looking forward, I’m pretty excited.”
Despite his focus on offensive prowess, the coaching staff is keen on allowing Panarin the freedom to express himself on the ice. “You’ve got to give him the freedom to do so,” Smith emphasized. “We need him to provide offense for us.”
After a disappointing tenure with the Rangers, who are undergoing a retooling process, Panarin is ready to embrace his new role. “They did not make any offer,” he revealed about his previous team. The Kings offered him a chance to thrive alongside talented players in a more favorable environment, where he can leave behind the pressures of the Eastern Conference.
As the Kings gear up for a crucial matchup against the Rangers, the spotlight will be on Panarin to deliver. His success could not only secure a playoff spot for L.A. but also reshape the narrative around his career at this pivotal moment.
Stay tuned for developments as the Kings and Panarin look to make their mark in the NHL playoffs.
