Kings Trade for Panarin Means End of Rumors Regarding Canucks’ Winger

It appears the Los Angeles Kings have officially shifted gears in the trade market. Once thought to have been looking at Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane, that’s not in the cards after landing superstar Artemi Panarin in a blockbuster deal.

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Kings GM Ken Holland landed Panarin from the New York Rangers earlier this week in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree and two conditional draft picks—a 2026 third-rounder and a 2028 fourth-rounder. The 34-year-old wasted no time committing long-term, signing a two-year, $22 million extension with the Kings through the 2027-28 season.

Now, with a legitimate top-scoring winger on the roster and with the Kings having committed big money to his extension, grabbing Kane from the Canucks makes much less sense. The Kings have added an elite scorer and playmaker to their top six, giving the team the offensive punch it needed.

Adding to the shuffle, the Kings are reportedly considering moving forward Warren Foegele, who has been a healthy scratch recently amid a crowded forward group. Holland suggested a trade could open cap space or allow the team to target a center, which Kane is not.

Panarin’s Arrival Reshapes the Kings’ Priorities

Earlier trade rumors linked them to Kane, the 34-year-old veteran the Canucks have been shopping for months. Vancouver has been willing to retain salary on Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit and was asking at least a third-round pick. But Kane’s production—just nine goals and 25 points in 55 games—has cooled interest across the league.

The Kings remained one of the few teams mildly interested — along with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. If Foegele goes back to the Canucks in the deal, there’s a chance this works. Beyond that, it seems doubtful.

The Kings’ Panarin splash signals a clear focus on high-end talent and will send a ripple effect around the league over the Olympic break. Kane offers toughness and playoff experience but limited scoring upside, and he’s got a higher salary that needs to be addressed.

With the March 6 NHL trade deadline approaching, Kane remains on the market but appears increasingly likely to be passed over.

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