Artemi Panarin, the new Los Angeles Kings winger, gifted the team's mascot a Rolex watch to take over the No. 72 jersey he wanted from the start. This happened right after his trade from the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Panarin made it clear he picked that number for personal reasons. But the Kings' mascot already had it. So he solved it with the gift. The story broke just before the NHL's Olympic break.
Key Takeaways
- Artemi Panarin traded to Kings from Rangers for prospect Liam Greentree and conditional picks; signed two-year, $22 million extension.
- Panarin wanted No. 72 jersey, held by Kings mascot; gifted Rolex to claim it.
- 34-year-old star has 927 career points; debuts post-Olympic break vs. Golden Knights.
- Trade boosts Kings' offense with Panarin's scoring touch and playmaking.
Background
Panarin joined the Kings in a big move last week. The Rangers sent him over because they wouldn't extend his deal. He had a full no-movement clause. But he waived it just for LA. That's what team leaders say. The Kings gave up forward prospect Liam Greentree. They also sent a conditional third-round pick in 2026. If LA wins one playoff round this year, it turns into a second-rounder. Win two rounds? New York gets an extra fourth-round pick in 2028 too. Rangers keep half his salary. That drops his cap hit to under $6 million for the Kings this season.
And Panarin didn't stop there. He signed a two-year extension right away. It's worth $22 million total. Average $11 million a year. Runs through 2027-28. Kings GM Ken Holland called it a win. He said the team got better fast. Panarin wanted a home, not a short stay. At 34, he's got plenty left. This season alone, he's got 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games. That's his 11th straight year over 50 points.
His career stacks up huge. Over 11 NHL seasons with Rangers, Blue Jackets, and Blackhawks. 804 games. 321 goals. 606 assists. 927 points total. Points per game at 1.15. He's an All-Star from 2023. Hit 120 points in 2023-24. Led Rangers to a President's Trophy that year.
The Kings needed this. Their offense lacked punch. Coach Jim Hiller said Panarin fills that gap. He's a top winger. Deadly shot. Finds the net quick. Great passer too. Teammates lit up when they heard. Defenseman Brandt Clarke praised his puck skills. Patience. Shot power. And the drive to join LA.
But before all that ice time. There was the jersey issue. Panarin loves No. 72. It's his number. Always has been. When he landed in LA, he asked for it. Problem. The Kings mascot wore it. That's Bailey by name. A fixture at games. Fans love him. Dances. Entertains. Wears 72 proudly.
Key Details
Panarin didn't hesitate. He went straight to Bailey. Offered a Rolex watch. High-end gift. Shiny. Expensive. The mascot took the deal. Handed over the jersey. Now Panarin wears 72 on the ice. Bailey? He's picking a new number soon.
This isn't Panarin's first fun move. He's known for personality off ice. Fans remember his highlights. But this? Pure class. Shows he fits right in LA. Kings staff say it's already buzzing the locker room. Players joke about it. Laugh. Builds team spirit quick.
Trade Breakdown
Let's break down what changed hands. Rangers got Greentree. He's a promising kid. Forward with upside. That 2026 third-round pick. Conditional as noted. Kings hold playoff hopes high. They think Panarin tips the scales. Salary retention helps too. Half off the books for New York. LA pays less now. More room to build.
Panarin's stats shine in advanced looks. NHL EDGE data shows he boosts chances. Kings needed that edge for playoffs. He's set to debut after the Olympic break. February 25 against Vegas Golden Knights. Home ice. Fans ready. But first, rest. Practice starts February 18 probably.
"He's just a dangerous offensive player, somebody we've been missing and will be a real boost for our team," Kings coach Jim Hiller said. "One of the premier wingers in the League."
Teammates echo it. Clarke again. "Phenomenal player. Highlights don't lie. Patience with the puck. Shot." And he wanted LA. That's key. Mentality matches. Kings have guys who stick around. Contribute long term. Panarin joins that group.
Jersey story spread fast. Social media lit up. Fans post reactions. Memes. Some say it's the best trade gift ever. Others wonder what Bailey's new number means. Will it stick? Team hasn't said. But Panarin's locked in.
Link to recent NHL moves? Check Duke Tops Men’s Power Rankings with No. 1 Seed Path Clear for more on rising teams. And see Real Madrid Eye Arsenal Defender Gabriel in Failed Transfer Bid for cross-sport trade drama.
What This Means
Panarin in 72 changes things for Kings. Offense gets a star. Playoffs look brighter. They chase a deep run. Conditions on picks? Worth it if they advance. GM Holland bet big. Extension locks him in. No rental risk.
For the mascot. New number ahead. Fans will rally. Maybe vote on it. Keeps energy high at Crypto.com Arena. Panarin's gesture? Smart. Builds bonds. Shows he's all in.
League wide. Trades like this shake standings. Kings jump in Pacific Division hunt. Rivals watch close. Vegas next. Then more. Olympic break pauses it. But Feb 25 restarts fire.
Panarin's career arc? Still climbing. 34 feels young. Production holds. Kings pair him with vets. Anze Kopitar line maybe. Power play boost. Even strength too. 17 even goals this year. Game winners. He's clutch.
Bailey's role stays big. Entertains crowds. Dances between periods. Now with a Rolex. Story lives on. Fans talk jerseys. Numbers. Loyalty.
Kings push forward. Practice soon. Debut looms. Win column grows. That's the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Panarin debut for the Kings?
A: He skips the Vegas game Thursday. But expects to play after Olympic break. Regular season resumes Feb 25 vs. Golden Knights.
Q: What did the Kings give up in the trade?
A: Prospect Liam Greentree. Conditional third-round pick 2026. Possible extra fourth in 2028 if playoffs go well.
Q: Why No. 72 for Panarin?
A: It's his preferred number. Worn it most career. Gave Rolex to mascot Bailey to switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Panarin debut for the Kings?
He skips the Vegas game Thursday. But expects to play after Olympic break. Regular season resumes Feb 25 vs. Golden Knights.
What did the Kings give up in the trade?
Prospect Liam Greentree. Conditional third-round pick 2026. Possible extra fourth in 2028 if playoffs go well.
Why No. 72 for Panarin?
It’s his preferred number. Worn it most career. Gave Rolex to mascot Bailey to switch.
