Professional sports can be a wild place when it comes to players getting what they want, and in the case of one NHL star he was willing to pay big bucks to get a certain jersey number from the LA Kings mascot.
Fans are certainly familiar with players swapping jerseys and purchasing numbers off of one another. However, Artemi Panarin took the concept to a whole new level recently after joining the Los Angeles Kings.
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The former New York Rangers legend was traded to the Kings in early February. Still, Panarin had a special request for the team once the Russian hockey star arrived in Los Angeles.
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For many years, LA Kings mascot ‘Bailey’ has worn the number 72 during NHL games at Crypto.com Arena. However, Panarin has been set on claiming the number for himself and it cost him a huge sum of money.
The 34 year old NHL veteran purchased a lavish Rolex watch for the occasion as a generous way to share the number held by the mascot. The two shared a special moment ahead of Thursday night’s game where Panarin and Bailey both wore no. 72.
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Los Angeles Kings left wing Artemi Panarin controls the puck during a 2025-26 NHL game. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, Panarin and the Kings’ night was thoroughly spoiled after the Edmonton Oilers rolled into town. Edmonton came away with a dominant 8-1 win after Los Angeles was shut out in the second and third periods.
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