“I wish it was going to be next year, but I’ve got to deal with that pretty soon,” Artemi Panarin admitted, via NHL.com. “Probably try being more relaxed, but I’m sure I’m going to be nervous and that is going to affect my game. I’ll try to be smarter with that. Obviously, excited to see the fans.”
Artemi Panarin’s comments were issued on the eve of the Los Angeles Kings‘ visit to the New York Rangers during the 2025–26 NHL season. “The Breadman” will face his former team for the first time since being traded by the Blueshirts. Making his return to Madison Square Garden—which he had called home since 2019—it’s safe to assume emotions will be running high for the Russian star.
With Panarin under an expiring contract, the Rangers had announced their decision not to re-sign him and were forced to make a deal with the Kings, as Panarin made it clear that “The City of Angels” was the only destination he’d waive his full No Movement Clause (NMC) for.
Panarin will now face the Rangers for the first time since April 5, 2019. That time, Panarin and the Columbus Blue Jackets visited Madison Square Garden and secured a crucial shootout victory. Los Angeles, like Columbus back then, will be entering the “World’s Most Famous Arena” in dire need of a victory to propel its playoff hopes.
Panarin is pleased with Kings so far
While the Kings have had their fair share of struggles, they remain in the race for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thus, Panarin is playing meaningful games in the 2025-26 NHL season, whereas the Blueshirts are playing mainly for pride right now.
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“I think it’s better than what I expected,” Panarin stated about the Kings. “The team is better than what I expected. Looking forward, I’m pretty excited. Hopefully we can make the playoffs.”
Where Kings and Rangers stand
The Kings (69 points in 66 games played) have just five more points than the Rangers (64 in 66 GP). However, because of how competitive the East is—and how uneven the West has turned—Los Angeles is well within the playoff bubble. Meanwhile, New York is eyeing the NHL Draft Lottery.
The Kings are one point away from the last wild card spot, while the Rangers are 16 points behind WC2 in the Eastern Conference. If New York City were located on the other side of the Mississippi River, the story would be very different for the Blueshirts in the 2025–26 season.
