Artemi Panarin's recent trade to the Los Angeles Kings has sent shockwaves through the NHL, particularly among New York Rangers fans. The star winger, who had been a cornerstone of the Rangers' offense since joining the team in 2019, was dealt in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree and conditional draft picks. This move came as Panarin approached unrestricted free agency this summer and after the Rangers had informed him they would not be re-signing him.

Panarin's departure wasn't solely a result of the Rangers' decision. Reports indicate that the 34-year-old forward had significant control over his destination due to a full no-movement clause in his contract. This clause allowed him to dictate where he would be traded, and he reportedly made it clear that Los Angeles was his preferred landing spot.

However, the circumstances surrounding Panarin's exit suggest more than just a preference for a change of scenery. Sources indicate that Panarin was seeking a contract extension as part of any trade deal. While the Kings ultimately agreed to a two-year, $22 million extension, it appears the Rangers were hesitant to meet Panarin's long-term demands, which reportedly neared $50 million.

According to The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano, six teams were in the mix for Panarin, but his insistence on a contract extension complicated matters. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning were rumored destinations, but their salary cap situations made a long-term commitment challenging. The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals were also reportedly interested.

Ultimately, the Kings' offer of a two-year, $11 million AAV extension was enough to secure Panarin's commitment. While some reports suggest that other teams were willing to offer more lucrative, longer-term deals, Panarin's desire to play in Los Angeles ultimately sealed the deal. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet noted that Panarin may have left as much as $30 million on the table to join the Kings.

The Rangers' return for Panarin has been widely viewed as underwhelming. Liam Greentree, a former first-round pick, is a promising prospect, but the conditional draft picks offer little immediate help to a team looking to rebuild. Coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged that the team had been preparing for life after Panarin since January and that the trade brought finality to the situation.

Panarin's time with the Rangers saw him become one of the league's premier offensive talents. Since joining the team in 2019, he has consistently led the Rangers in scoring. In 52 games this season, he tallied 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points. Over his Rangers career, Panarin amassed 205 goals and 402 assists for 607 points.

As the Rangers move forward, they will look to fill the void left by Panarin's departure and continue their efforts to rebuild the team. For Panarin, this trade represents a new chapter in his career, joining a Kings team looking to maximize their playoff chances.