GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Artemi Panarin’s recent trade to the Los Angeles Kings wasn’t a surprise for anyone in the New York Rangers organization.
The team had been preparing for life without him since January 16. General Manager Chris Drury hinted at a roster retool, and it became clear to Panarin that the Rangers wouldn’t be re-signing him.
This reality hit home when Panarin was scratched from the lineup on January 28 for “roster management.” He missed three games, all losses, before getting traded. He signed a two-year deal worth $22 million with the Kings.
In return, the Rangers received promising prospect Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks. This trade marked a final chapter in Panarin’s story with the Rangers, an ending that many knew would come.
“Sometimes the anxiety and uncertainty are harder to deal with than knowing the outcome,” said Rangers coach Mike Sullivan. “Now everyone can move forward.”
Greentree, drafted 26th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, is in his fourth season with the Windsor Spitfires. The 20-year-old forward is poised to turn pro after this season and is expected to attend the Rangers’ prospect development camp in late June.
However, for now, the Rangers face a challenge. With Panarin’s no-movement clause limiting their options, the team had limited leverage in discussions. They couldn’t expect a return that would match Panarin’s contributions on the ice.
Since joining the Rangers on a seven-year, $81.5 million contract in 2019, Panarin was their top scorer each season. This year, he led the team with 57 points in just 52 games, placing him ninth in Rangers history with 607 points.
This trade reflects a broader trend in sports where players hold significant power over their destinations. According to a recent survey by the Sports Business Journal, nearly 70% of general managers believe that player influence is on the rise. This shift complicates traditional trading strategies, as teams often find themselves negotiating from a position of weakness.
Palmieri, another key player who faced a similar situation, remarked on social media how vital it is for teams to evolve. As teams reorganize, fans often react strongly, whether through outrage or support. Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have seen user chatter about the trade, with many expressing a mix of sadness and understanding at the decision.
The Rangers are set for a new era, and only time will tell how this shift impacts their future performance and relationships within the league.
