Artemi Panarin Picked Kings Over $30M Higher Offer From Rival

Elliotte Friedman wrote on Thursday morning that someday, someone will write the full story of Artemi Panarin’s final 48 hours with the Rangers. What he knows right now is that the window leading up to his trade to the Los Angeles Kings sounds bonkers.

---

Panarin initially hoped Florida or Tampa Bay would emerge, with the Panthers believed to be his top choice. Neither gained traction. Tampa explored the idea but wasn’t comfortable with a rental or the extension terms.

California became the next focus: Anaheim balked at an extension, and San Jose never advanced far. Both of these things opened the door for Los Angeles, which is where Panarin eventually landed.

Friedman says that even the Kings were hesitant at first. Their priority was a center and they were unsure about committing long-term money to a 34-year-old winger. Talks hovered around roughly $45 million before stalling on Tuesday. Panarin’s camp then canvassed the league, sparking wild rumors — including whispers of a $60 million offer elsewhere.

Friedman writes, “Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous (who could not be reached for comment) contacted several teams to juice the bidding. Only he knows what he really told people, but word spread like wildfire that he’d indicated Panarin was going to Carolina and someone else was willing to pay $60 million (a four-year contract with a $15 million AAV).”

Were The Kraken The Team Who Stepped Up the Most?

Seattle was widely viewed as the mystery bidder, with multiple sources suggesting the Kraken floated a four-year deal at an AAV north of Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million. GM Jason Botterill was asked about the rumors and would only say, “We will continue to be aggressive at improving our team. But we won’t comment on discussions with agents/players.”Carolina, Washington, and possibly Utah also circled.

But Panarin made his stance clear: he wanted LA.

The Kings re-engaged, landing him on a two-year, $22 million deal. In doing so, Panarin may have walked away from as much as $30 million elsewhere.

Next: Artemi Panarin Signs Discount Extension with Kings Following Trade