In a candid moment during his introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Kings, Artemi Panarin opened up about why his contract negotiations with the New York Rangers never progressed. The star forward, recently traded to LA, where he immediately signed a two-year, $22 million extension ($11 million AAV), reflected on earlier talks with his former team.
Panarin explained that discussions began before the season, but the Rangers’ initial offer left him uncertain. “I don’t know if I should say this, but I feel like their offer said, ‘We’re not sure if we want you or not.’ That’s why I’m not signed,” he said. He noted brief re-engagement during the season, but “not much” came of it.
“Yeah, we talked not much in the beginning before the season starts and then after, obviously, my start of the season was not great. And then probably we talked in the middle of year, but not much.”
The lack of enthusiasm to get something done likely soured Panarin on really trying to make it work with New York. Then, no real conversations about staying ultimately contributed to the breakdown between the two sides, paving the way for them to start asking around and a trade and ultimately moving him to the Kings.
There were other teams interested, but Panarin said he spoke to Vladislav Gavrikov, who told him about the Kings. “Great teammates, great organization, great place to live…I didn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Panarin told the Rangers that’s where he wanted to go, then hoped a deal would get done. “I was not ready to pick a team where I didn’t want to go. I probably go back to Russia if LA doesn’t give me anything.” Once the deal was completed, he quickly committed to the team with a new contract.
Panarin Not Upset With the Rangers
A consistent point producer and former Rangers leader, he expressed no bitterness toward his old team, even if the perceived lack of commitment influenced his decision not to re-sign in New York.
He’s excited about a fresh start in LA, and the Kings are hoping he can provide the scoring punch the team needs. “I don’t like to switch teams back and forth. I played already with three teams in the NHL…I have two kids, a dog, a wife… It’s just too much stuff. And also, I feel like I don’t want to be rented for a couple months, then go somewhere else. I’m just looking for a team who wants me.”
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