Panarin was New York’s leading scorer every season since joining the team. He has 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games this season and is ninth in Rangers history with 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists). He had 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 46 playoff games and helped them reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024.
“Artemi is an incredible player, arguably the best free-agent signing in the 100-year history of the franchise,” Drury said. “He deserves a chance to win and we want to give him that chance as we retool the team. As we retool the team it’s never to easy to move a player of Artemi’s caliber but it’s provided us an opportunity to accumulate valuable assets for the future.”
Prior to joining the Rangers, Panarin, who was undrafted, played two seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2015-17, winning the Calder Trophy voted as NHL rookie of the year in 2015-16, and two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2017-19. He has 927 points (321 goals, 606 assists) in 804 regular-season games and 61 points (21 goals, 40 assists) in 73 playoff games.
“He’s had more than a point a game for nine consecutive years, those players are hard to find, so we went ahead and did the deal because he’s got talent,” Holland said. “And certainly, now, we got to figure out who he fits with and how we get the most out of him.”
Greentree, a 20-year-old forward, has yet to make his NHL debut. Selected by Los Angeles in the first round (No. 26) of the 2024 NHL Draft, he has 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) in 34 games with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League this season.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Drury said. “Just looking at his numbers and his offensive production, it’s very exciting. He’s got some size to him. He’s got a really good hockey IQ and a lot of skill. Skill is obviously an important piece for any group, any development staff and any draft pick. You’re trying to identify players that you think can get to this stage, play in big moments and make big plays. Specifically him, we valued a prospect like him higher than a No. 26 or 27 pick. He’s an ’06 birthday and ready to turn pro, wrapping up his junior career. Looking forward to getting him in development camp, but certainly excited about having him as a piece in this trade.”
The Kings (23-18-14), who are fifth in the Pacific Division, are three points behind the Anaheim Ducks for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference after losing 4-2 to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.
“We’ve lost 14 games in extra time, (played) 23 overtime games, so we’re competitive,” Holland said. “We just need an extra goal here and there to win a few more games, and we believe that Panarin is going to come in and give us a little pop, help the (power play). When we go into overtime, certainly he can play in the extra time, those points are crucial. Didn’t want to give away Greentree, but if you want to do anything, you’re going to have to move somebody.”
The Rangers previously traded Carson Soucy to the Islanders on Jan. 26. The 31-year-old defenseman debuted for the Islanders against the Rangers on Jan. 28. He is in the final season of a three-year, $9.75 million contract ($3.25 million AAV) he signed with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2023, and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
NHL.com independent correspondent Stefen Rosner contributed to this report