Few moves changed the trajectory of the Los Angeles Kings' season more than the acquisition of Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline.
The veteran winger immediately became one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Kings' lineup and gave Los Angeles the elite playmaking presence it had been lacking for much of the season.
The Kings needed more offensive firepower, and Panarin immediately provided the spark they had been missing. He registered at least one point in around 75 percent of the games he played for the Kings this past regular season and in the postseason.
Artemi Panarin's performance for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2025-26 season
In this past regular season, Panarin registered nine goals, 18 assists, and 27 total points in 26 games played for the Kings. He immediately brought a jolt offensively to the Kings' top-six forward lines this past season.
No one should be upset with what the Kings got production-wise out of Panarin this past regular season and after the trade deadline. In the regular season, Panarin averaged over a point-per-game on the stat sheet. And he was the only Kings' player in the postseason who scored multiple goals in the first round vs. the Colorado Avalanche.
Panarin finished the postseason with two goals, one assist, and three total points in four games played this spring for the Kings.
The goal he scored late in the final frame in the third period vs. the Avalanche in the first round this postseason nearly was the Kings' only game-winning goal in the playoffs this spring.
Panarin also made an impact on special teams. He scored multiple power-play goals after arriving in Los Angeles, including both of his postseason goals against Colorado. His ability to create offense with the man advantage added another dimension to the Kings' attack.
The biggest thing Panarin brought to the Kings was offensive creativity. Few players in the NHL possess his vision and passing ability, and Los Angeles immediately became a more dangerous team with the puck on its stick after he joined the lineup.
While surrendering Liam Greentree was a significant price, Panarin's immediate impact helped justify the move. Few players available at the trade deadline could have provided the same level of offensive production and playmaking ability.
2025-26 Season Grade: A-
When the Kings traded with the Rangers for Panarin at the trade deadline a few months ago, Artemi also agreed to a contract extension deal that will keep him in Los Angeles through the end of the 2026-27 season.
The expectations for Panarin in 2026-27 will be even higher than they were after the trade. He will enter his first full season with the Kings after spending several months adjusting to a new system and new teammates.
If Los Angeles hopes to take a meaningful step forward in the Western Conference, Panarin will likely need to remain one of the team's primary offensive drivers and continue producing at a top-line level.
One encouraging development after the trade was the chemistry Panarin quickly developed with Adrian Kempe. That partnership could become one of the Kings' most important offensive combinations heading into next season.
I would expect Kempe and Panarin to remain together on one of the Kings' top scoring lines next season. The biggest question will be who fills the center position between them.
Holland and the Kings' front office could take a swing at acquiring a first-line center on the trade block this offseason, or work young forward Quinton Byfield in with Kempe and Panarin next season.
