{"id":475243,"date":"2026-02-27T15:05:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/475243\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T15:05:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:05:16","slug":"nhl-star-buys-lavish-gift-for-kings-mascot-to-share-jersey-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/475243\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL star buys lavish gift for Kings mascot to share jersey number"},"content":{"rendered":"

Professional sports can be a wild place when it comes to players getting what they want, and in the case of one NHL<\/a> star he was willing to pay big bucks to get a certain jersey number from the LA Kings mascot.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

MORE: Nike infuriates Olympic hockey fans with lack of Team USA jerseys<\/a><\/p>\n

Artemi Panarin had to pay up for No. 72 \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n

(via @LAKings<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/pAU6iwb7Mc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN (@espn) February 26, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

For many years, LA Kings mascot \u2018Bailey\u2019<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s game where Panarin and Bailey both wore no. 72.<\/p>\n

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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<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Panarin and the Kings\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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