By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: USA Today
The Los Angeles Kings acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. Panarin’s seven-year run with the Rangers comes to an end.
It’s a somber day in New York. Panarin became a beloved fan favorite. The 34-year-old was leading the Rangers with 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games this season. Panarin hasn’t been on the ice since January 26.
Panarin is planning to sign a two-year extension with the Kings at an average annual value of $11 million. The Kings have been growing and developing over the last few seasons. It’s one of those teams in the West to look out for. Adding a player like Panarin makes them better.
The Rangers will retain half of Panarin’s $11.6 million salary for the rest of the season. Panarin is making quite a leap from Broadway to Hollywood. The difference is the weather. California has more sunshine and better weather.
Ranger fans will never forget what Oanarin brought to the team. He’s one of the reasons why the Rangers were contenders the last few seasons. Unfortunately, Stanley Cup championship aspirations weren’t realized, but his production was massive. Kings captain Anze Kopitar is in his final season. The Kings are trying to go all in to make a deep run to the Stanley Cup. It’s why they went out to get Panarin.
Panarin will go down as one of the greatest free agent signings in the history of the Rangers organization. He’s the second veteran to get traded this season by the Rangers. It’s going to be a long off-season for general manager Chris Drury.
The fans are wondering what he is thinking or what his plans are, because things seem to point to a possible rebuild. Panarin ends with 607 points, 205 goals, and 402 assists in his seven years with the Rangers.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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