The Los Angeles Kings will have three games in the next four days in the New York-New Jersey area. On Friday night, Los Angeles will face the New York Islanders. The Kings will face the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night.
On Monday night, Artemi Panarin will be returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time since being traded away from the New York Rangers. It will no doubt be an emotional night for him returning. Panarin played for the Rangers from 2019-2026.
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He is 34 years old. There is no doubt that there is going to be some emotion involved when he returns to the Rangers home arena on Monday night.
Los Angeles Kings Artemi Panarin Comments About Returning to New York for the First Time Since Being Traded
Oct 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) looks to shoot against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
Panarin has only played in eight games for the Kings. The fact that he is returning to the New York-New Jersey area already in the 2025-2026 NHL season will no doubt be emotional for him.
Panarin said on Thursday to Dan Rosen of NHL.com about returning to the Garden on Monday night, “I wish it was going to be next year, but I’ve got to deal with that pretty soon.” It is understandable why he would want to wait until the 2026-2027 NHL season to return to New York.
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It will feel weird for him no doubt going to the visitor’s locker room instead of the Rangers home locker room. There is also a chance that Panarin may get a video tribute from New York at some point.
During the 2025-2026 NHL season, he has played in 60 total games. Panarin has scored 21 goals and has recorded 44 assists, along with a plus/minus rating of -10. The Kings this season have a 26-23-15 record with 67 points. This will no doubt be an emotional next few days for Los Angeles and Panarin.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.