DENVER– The San Jose Sharks have not acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers.

After reported interest in the star winger, the Sharks ultimately weren’t in the running. Pacific Division rivals the Los Angeles Kings have acquired Panarin and signed him to a two-year extension ($11 million AAV).

The NHL will have a big break during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, and on Wednesday, the league had a trade freeze starting at 3 p.m. ET. The expectation was for the Rangers winger to be moved before the deadline. Reports earlier in the day suggest the Rangers may have asked the San Jose Sharks for Will Smith as part of a return for Panarin.

Trading Smith would be a very unlikely move and something the Sharks likely didn’t entertain.

The Sharks checked in on Panarin’s interest in coming to San Jose, as the winger has a full no-move clause. There was confirmed interest in signing an extension with the Sharks, but ultimately, the Kings were Panarin’s preferred destination.

The San Jose Sharks had the trade assets, better ones than the Kings, but Grier has opted to play the long-term game. A conditional third-round pick in 2026 and top prospect Liam Greentree were all that it took to acquire Panarin, who had 50% of his salary retained.

With the Sharks just two points behind the Kings, both teams will be in a battle to get into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. San Jose went 2-1-0 against Los Angeles this season. The longtime rivals will not play again in the 25-26 regular season.