Back in February, the Rangers put an end to the speculation around Panarin and traded “The Breadman” to the Kings. Essentially, it was Panarin (signed to a full no movement clause) who chose Los Angeles, and left New York with no choice but to work out a deal with the organization in the City of Angels. The Kings sent prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round selection in 2026.

As reported by Peter Baugh of The Athletic, the conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft would have become a second-rounder had the Kings won one round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche made sure that didn’t happen. As a result, the Rangers own the 81st overall pick in this year’s draft, courtesy of the Panarin trade with the Kings.

How many picks will NY Rangers have in 2026?

As the Kings’ conditional selection sent to the Rangers is confirmed to be a third-round pick, 81st overall, the Blueshirts have a better understanding of where they will operate in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

As it stands, New York owns 11 draft picks in 2026—7 of which are in the top 100, including two first-rounders. The Rangers’ own pick in the first round is a lottery pick, meaning they have an 11.5% chance of coming away with the No. 1 selection, which is projected to be Penn State star Gavin McKenna.

Kings’ elimination also costs NY Rangers a 4th rounder

Under the terms agreed upon by both sides in the Panarin trade, New York would have received a second-round pick instead of a third-rounder had Los Angeles won a single playoff round. Moreover, if the Kings had made it past two rounds and reached the Western Conference Final, the Rangers would have been handed an extra fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.

Realistically, the odds were never on the Kings’ side to make it that far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fact they entered the postseason as the lowest seed in the entire bracket only made things that much harder. For the Rangers, the fact their draft capital was in the hands of a weak Kings side is only another bad look for Chris Drury and company.

Rangers were left no choice but to trade with Kings

However, the front office had its hands tied, as Panarin made it clear he’d only waive his NMC for a move to Hollywood. Needless to say, Los Angeles was never going to pay a king’s ransom for the “Breadman,” and even if it wanted to go on a deep run, the Wild West’s playoff picture made it clear the Kings were in for a steep climb and an improbable run.

After all, there’s a reason the Kings couldn’t even secure one postseason victory in the 2025–26 NHL season. For the fifth straight year, Los Angeles suffered a first-round exit. The last time it won a playoff series? Back in 2014, when the Kings went all the way to hoist Lord Stanley. Perhaps the Rangers should have known better than to leave trade details up to chance and in the hands of a franchise that can’t shake its postseason woes.

It may get lost behind the fact that they won the Presidents’ Trophy and scored the most goals in the regular season, but the Avalanche also gave up the least goals in the 2025-26 NHL season. Thus, fans can rest assured that when the action gets tighter, the ice seemingly shrinks, and every puck battle can prove decisive, the Avs will be up for the challenge. In case anybody on the Kings overlooked that, MacKinnon delivered a reminder after Game 1 of the first-round series.

“We are comfortable in those low-scoring games,” MacKinnon admitted after the game, via DNVR. “We gave up the least goals in the league this year, we pride ourselves off our defensive hockey. It may be harder for [other] people, but that’s what we want to be.“

Wedgewood stood tall once again

Scott Wedgewood’s incredible performance in the 2025–26 NHL regular season transitioned smoothly into his first career start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche’s goalie stopped 24 shots to help his team come away with a crucial Game 1 victory on home ice.

In Game 1 against the Kings, Wedgewood recorded a .960 save percentage (SV%) after finishing the campaign with the league’s best .921 SV% and a 2.02 GAA. If he can keep his red-hot form, MacKinnon and the Avs will remain confident they can walk away with low-scoring wins.

Colorado’s push for its fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history is largely hanging on the glove and trapper of a 33-year-old revitalized veteran netminder. So far, so good. If Game 1 of the first round is any indicator, the Avalanche are in safe hands.

Series schedule

• Game 2: Kings at Avalanche (April 21)
• Game 3: Avalanche at Kings (April 23)
• Game 4: Avalanche at Kings (April 26)
• Game 5 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (April 29)
• Game 6 IF NECCESARY: Avalanche at Kings (May 1)
• Game 7 IF NECCESARY: Kings at Avalanche (May 3)

With the NHL confirming that all playoff spots are filled but positioning remains undecided, this game directly impacts who Los Angeles will face in Round 1. They arrive in Calgary after clinching their postseason berth earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the Flames have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but that doesn’t make this game meaningless. They are playing out the final stretch and can still influence the postseason picture by playing spoiler.

What happens if Kings beat Flames today?

If the Los Angeles Kings beat the Calgary Flames, they earn 2 points and significantly improve their chances of climbing out of the wild-card position and into a Pacific Division playoff spot.

D.J. Smith‘s team enter the finale sitting in the second wild-card spot with 89–90 points, but they are tied or within reach of teams like the Anaheim Ducks for third place in the Pacific Division.

A win, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could lift Los Angeles as high as No. 2 or No. 3 in the Pacific, which would dramatically change their playoff path. That matters because:

• Pacific No. 2 vs No. 3 = divisional matchup (more balanced)
• Wild card = likely facing a top seed like the Colorado Avalanche

Avoiding the wild-card spot is key, since current projections show the Kings would face the Colorado Avalanche if they remain in that position—a significantly tougher opening-round opponent.

What happens if Kings and Flames tie today?

If the Kings and Flames are tied after regulation, Los Angeles secures at least 1 point, while the overtime or shootout winner earns 2 points and the loser receives 1. In the NHL system, there are no ties.

Any game level after 60 minutes automatically goes to overtime and potentially a shootout. This guarantees both teams at least one point, which can be crucial in a tightly contested standings race like the Pacific Division.

What happens if Kings lose to Flames today?

If the Kings lose in regulation, they earn 0 points, while an overtime or shootout loss would still give them 1 point, and both outcomes could leave them stuck in the wild-card spot.

A regulation loss is the worst-case scenario, as it prevents Los Angeles from gaining ground on Pacific Division rivals. With the standings extremely tight, even one missed point could lock them into their current position.

Even an overtime loss (1 point) might not be enough to move up, depending on how the Ducks and other teams perform. That’s why this finale carries major implications: it doesn’t decide whether the Kings make the playoffs.

The Swedish winger missed the team’s previous game with a lower-body injury, but there is growing optimism inside the organization that he could return, with reports indicating he is “probable” or at least has a real chance to suit up.

His status remains one of the key storylines, especially after he was a late scratch earlier in the week despite taking warmups. The Kings have labeled him day-to-day, and head coach D.J. Smith has expressed hope that the forward can go.

What happened to Adrian Kempe?

Adrian Kempe suffered a lower-body injury and is currently listed as day-to-day for the Los Angeles Kings. The forward was a late scratch in a recent game against the New York Rangers despite taking part in warmups, with reports indicating the issue may have occurred just before puck drop.

The injury forced him to miss his first game of the 2025–26 season, and while the team has not disclosed full details, early indications suggest it is not considered serious. The Kings are monitoring him closely.

How important has Adrian Kempe been this season?

Adrian Kempe has been one of the Los Angeles Kings’ top offensive leaders this season, leading the team in scoring production. He has recorded 26 goals and 58 points in 66 games, underlining his role as a primary scoring option in the lineup.

Beyond the numbers, he has been a driving force in the Kings’ attack, consistently producing in key moments and anchoring top-line combinations. He also ranks among the team leaders in goals, assists and total points.

Panarin, who spent seven seasons with New York, received a standing ovation and video tribute during the first television timeout. “To be honest, I was nervous the whole game,” Panarin said after the game, according to NHL.com, as he recently reminisced about Rangers fans while preparing for his return with the Kings.

He also added, “I’m glad guys scored the goals tonight, and then got a good win so it was nice. I was not much thinking about hockey tonight.” The Rangers’ four-game winning streak came to an end, while Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves and Quinton Byfield recorded two assists.

Panarin revisits his New York years

Panarin finished with 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 regular-season games for New York, ranking ninth in franchise history. “Emotional, especially warmup,” he said. “Since I stepped on ice, and I saw all those jerseys, I felt good about that. It means a lot for me, I spent almost seven years here.”

The victory improves Los Angeles to 28-24-15, tying the Seattle Kraken for the second wild card in the Western Conference. New York falls to 28-31-8 with the season winding down.

“The energy. Obviously, the history. People. Even [when] they boo us after 17 seconds at the start of the game. That’s why I like it,” Panarin answered when asked about the best part of playing in New York, via Mollie Walker of New York Post on X.

Needless to say, Panarin’s last memories as a Blueshirt on Broadway were far from enjoyable. Mired in a disastrous 2025–26 NHL season and with rumors of his next club running wild, Panarin was a healthy scratch, causing him to miss out on a farewell game at Madison Square Garden.

As he returns to The Big Apple on Monday, he gets his chance at closure. Only this time, Panarin will put on his equipment in the away locker room and wear a Kings‘ jersey. The Rangers learned Panarin’s true feelings ahead of his return to MSG, but will now have to actually take him on.

Panarin will go up against Rangers’ Shesterkin

Fellow Russian and former teammates on the Rangers, Panarin and Igor Shesterkin may know each other’s every secret on the ice. Panarin has hit Shesterkin with his full arsenal in practices, and the netminder has pulled off every stunt he is physically able to trying to stop “The Breadman”.

Panarin and Shesterkin have never faced-off in an NHL game, though. According to reporters at New York’s morning skate, Shesterkin was the first goalie off the ice—meaning he will be the starter against the Kings.

Rangers continue to roll with Shesterkin on net

It will be a special reunion for the fellow countrymen, and one in which Panarin will be praying on Shesterkin’s downfall for the first time in his career. “I hope he has a bad night tonight. Sorry, Rangers fans,” Panarin said, per The Athletic’s Peter Baugh.

Shesterkin will be starting his 8th game in New York’s last 10 outings. Facing Panarin and the Kings, however, means Shesterkin will be energized to put on a show at Madison Square Garden, where the Rangers are 9-15-6 on the season.

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.

“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.

“They didn’t want me,” Panarin said about the Rangers, via Newsday Sports’ Colin Stephenson on X. New York traded Panarin to the Kings in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional third round pick in 2026, and a fourth round pick in 2028.

Panarin could sign with any team back in the 2019-free agent market—and he chose New York. Back then, the Rangers were only just beginning their rebuild. Panarin’s arrival changed everything, though. An organization with no winning expectations in the immediate future suddenly landed one of the best players in the NHL.

Brief recap of Panarin’s career with the Rangers

In no time, the Rangers won the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery and secured the second overall pick in 2021. Everything was clicking for the Blueshirts—until it wasn’t anymore. The Rangers reached their pinnacle in the 2024 Eastern Conference Final. The elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers put the writing on the wall, and since then everything has headed downhill.

New York shot itself in the foot with controversial decisions like Chris Drury’s leaguewide memorandum and the second “letter” to fans, which made the Rangers’ desire to trade Panarin public. Dealing with a star on an expiring contract, time running short, and a full no-movement clause, the Blueshirts made sure to put themselves in the worst possible position to sit down and negotiate.

Leverage was anywhere but on New York’s side. Thus, when the Los Angeles Kings made their offer, the Rangers could do nothing but accept it before the 2026 Winter Olympics froze trades around the NHL. Panarin’s time in Manhattan officially came to an end. However, he is set to return to the Big Apple soon, though only temporarily.

Panarin’s homecoming at Madison Square Garden

On March 16, the Kings will visit the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Fans will give Panarin a standing ovation that will take them down memory lane and send a clear message upstairs to the executive suite, where Drury will be watching the aftermath of his decisions.

According to a report from Mayor’s Manor, the Kings and Sabres made a swap of players via their AHL affiliates. This is not a trade, as it a temporarily loan. Per the report, forward Kaleb Lawrence has been loaned to the Rochester Americans. In return, the Ontario Reign are welcoming in defenseman Nikita Novikov.

While the two prospects change their AHL addresses, their rights remain in possession of their NHL teams. Thus, the Kings and Sabres could engage in such a move as it’s not a trade, with Lawrence remaining in Los Angeles’ system, and Novikov in Buffalo’s.

Both 2003-born players are eligible to play for their new clubs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, provided the Rochester Americans and Ontario Reign clinch playoff berths.

Kings’ moves in trade deadline

Ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the Kings didn’t shy away from engaging in trade talks. While some expected the Kings to take on a more aggressive approach, others believed they balanced it out perfectly.

The Kings shipped Corey Perry (traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning) and Warren Foegele (to the Ottawa Senators) away for draft assets, proving their long-term vision. However, they also brought in reinforcements by trading for Scott Laughton (with the Toronto Maple Leafs) and signing Mathieu Joseph to a one-year deal, after his contract had been terminated by the St. Louis Blues.

The Kings are currently three points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Their approach to the trade deadline paints a clear picture of the organization’s belief in the team. Los Angeles remains hopeful and may bet on itself, but it is also unwilling to go all in. Instead, it is playing its cards cautiously.

It hasn’t been an easy NHL season for Laine. The elite goalscorer, who once put up 44 goals in the 2017-18 campaign, has dealt with an injury year-round, which hindered his productivity during a contract year with the Canadiens. Laine has been weighing his options with Montreal, but the writing may have been on the wall for a while now.

Reports suggest the Habs have had enough and are ready to move on. For Montreal, it might be now or never; if Laine is still in town after the March 6th trade deadline, the Canadiens will likely lose him to unrestricted free agency this summer. Although the league is wary of Laine’s availability, teams are calling Montreal to ask about him with the Los Angeles Kings reportedly in the mix.

“Trade talk surrounding Canadiens winger Patrik Laine has picked up a little more, and I’m told the Los Angeles Kings are circling back on him,” insider David Pagnotta reported on his X account. “Other teams in the mix, too. We’ll see if Montreal retains 50% of his $8.7M AAV, but expectations remain high that he’ll be moved this week.“

Laine and his 2025-26 season with the Canadiens

Entering the final season of his four-year, $34.8 million contract, Laine knew it would take elite production in 2025-26 to earn an extension in The City of Saints. Though Montreal is the world’s most populous freshwater island, there seems to be no water left for Laine’s windmill.

Laine has appeared in only five games this season and has yet to return to the lineup after undergoing core muscle surgery in late October. Trading Laine away would also free up much-needed cap space ahead of the trade deadline. That may be especially useful, as the Canadiens reportedly eye a trade for a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

Kings and Laine could work out well

For Los Angeles—the Kings recently fired head coach Jim Hiller—such a gamble might be the only way to salvage its season. If the Habs indeed retain 50% of Laine’s salary, the risk is likely worth the reward. Worst-case scenario, the Kings miss the playoffs and Laine walks in July; that’d be no different than where the Kings currently stand. Thus, they have little left to lose.

Who knows? Perhaps Laine and Artemi Panarin can catch fire together. Every NHL fan remembers what happened one time the Kings made the playoffs as the bottom seed. History has a way of repeating itself, often when least expected.

Frank Seravalli also reported that DJ Smith will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, confirmed by the Kings in a statement. In fact, he reported that the Kings don’t have any plans to go into a search in-season. Matt Greene will also go to the bench as an assistant coach. Greene was on the player development coach role prior to this move.

Hiller failed to replicate the success of a team that has looked quite disorganized and undisciplined. Hiller wasn’t able to turn things around and after 59 games, the front office decided that a change was imperative. Now, it’s up to Smith to deliver.

Hiller had quite the downfall

Under Jim Hiller’s leadership, the Kings soared to a franchise-record 48 wins and 105 points during his debut full season, a high-water mark the team has struggled to replicate in the years since.

Now, Smith has been an associate coach under Hiller since 2024, so he knows the locker room and the team. Smith also has quite the head coaching experience as he was the Ottawa Senators head coach for five seasons. That also makes Smith avoid the learning curve that a newbie might face.

There are some concerns on Smith too

This season is now a coin flip for the Kings. If Smith can deliver, good things can be seen in the horizon. However, that is not a guarantee by any means. Hence, there are some concerns too.

His tenure in Ottawa might have been a long one, but it wasn’t precisely a great period. He had a 131-154-32 record with the Canadian team, and never made the playoffs. Smith was also heavily criticized for lacking a defensive structure, which might not fit well with the Kings, whose identity is built on structure.