EAST MEADOW, N.Y. – Artemi Panarin is already looking ahead to Monday night, and the emotions are swirling. The Los Angeles Kings forward is preparing to return to Madison Square Garden as a visitor, facing his former teammates and the fans who once cheered his every move. The anticipation, he admits, is causing some anxiety.
“I wish it was going to be next year, but I’ve got to deal with that pretty soon,” Panarin said Thursday, acknowledging the quick turnaround since being traded to the Kings on February 4th. The return to Latest York represents more than just another game; it’s a reunion steeped in both fondness and the bittersweet reality of a new chapter.
Before facing his former team, Panarin and the Kings will play the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Saturday. Despite the immediate challenge, his thoughts are already drifting to Monday’s matchup. “Probably try being more relaxed, but I’m sure I’m going to be nervous and that is going to affect my game,” Panarin stated. “I’ll try to be smarter with that. Obviously, excited to see the fans.”
Panarin’s arrival in New York in 2019, marked by a seven-year, $81.5 million contract, quickly established him as a cornerstone of the Rangers’ offense. As NHL.com reports, he led the team in scoring for six full seasons and was their leading point-getter before the trade this season, amassing 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games.
Over nearly seven seasons with the Rangers, Panarin cemented his place in franchise history, becoming the ninth-leading scorer all-time with 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 games. He likewise contributed significantly in the playoffs, recording 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 46 games and helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Final in both 2022 and 2024.
A Contract Stalemate and a Trade to the West Coast
The trade to Los Angeles wasn’t a sudden decision, but rather the culmination of stalled contract negotiations. Panarin and the Rangers were unable to reach an agreement on an extension before the season, leading to a quiet period of discussions. According to Panarin, the lack of progress prepared him for the eventual outcome, though it didn’t lessen the impact when General Manager Chris Drury informed him of the team’s decision to retool the roster and move on from popular players.
“You don’t believe that until they share you,” Panarin reflected. “I thought I played pretty decent too. In the beginning, yeah, I was thinking too much, but after I corrected my season. When you head back to your level you think, ‘Right now, let’s go.’ Then it’s not going to happen. It’s OK.” He signed a two-year contract with the Kings carrying an average annual value of $11 million, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The Kings were reportedly Panarin’s preferred destination, as he held a full no-trade clause. He has appeared in eight games for Los Angeles so far, adjusting to a new team and a new environment.
What to Expect at Madison Square Garden
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden on Monday is expected to be charged with emotion. Panarin acknowledged the possibility of a video tribute from the Rangers, adding another layer of complexity to the evening. He’s bracing for a mix of nostalgia and nerves, understanding that the experience will be unlike any other this season.
While Panarin is focused on preparing for the game, he’s also allowing himself to reflect on his time in New York. His impact on the Rangers was undeniable, and his return will undoubtedly be a poignant moment for both the player and the fans. Forever Blueshirts notes that Panarin’s departure came as a surprise to many, given his consistent performance and popularity with the fanbase.
The Kings’ trip to New York and New Jersey continues Friday night with a game against the New York Islanders. But all eyes are already turning to Monday, when Artemi Panarin steps back onto the ice at Madison Square Garden, this time wearing a different jersey.
What comes next for Panarin and the Kings remains to be seen, but his performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched as he navigates this new chapter in his career. Share your thoughts on Panarin’s return in the comments below.
