Artemi Panarin traded for a pitiful return: Are the Maple Leafs in on the deal?
Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Just moments ago, the New York Rangers traded Artemi Panarin for a return that is so pitiful, Toronto Maple Leafs fans are going to be in complete awe.
Artemi Panarin was the biggest trade target going into today's NHL roster freeze, and it felt like a given that he would be dealt.
Just moments ago, it was confirmed that the Rangers were, in fact, trading Artemi Panarin. Was it to the Toronto Maple Leafs? No.
Instead, they sent Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. The return is actually quite pitiful. The Rangers are getting back Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick.
There is salary retained in this deal, which makes it even worse for the Rangers, who don't get too many benefits out of this.
While the conditional pick is certainly a nice touch, there is no denying that this is a deal that falls completely flat on its face.
To #GoKingsGo:
Artemi Panarin (50% retained)
To #NYR:
Liam Greentree
Cond. 2026 3rd Rd Pick
Cond. 2028 4th Rd Pick
Panarin camp only presented LA as option. Panarin is expected to complete contract extension shortly with Kings, they had substantive talks leading up to trade.
Conditions:
3rd becomes a 2nd with LA winning one playoff round. (Better of 3rd if they don’t win)
The 4th only transfers if LA wins two rounds.
Artemi Panarin (50% retained)
To #NYR:
Liam Greentree
Cond. 2026 3rd Rd Pick
Cond. 2028 4th Rd Pick
Panarin camp only presented LA as option. Panarin is expected to complete contract extension shortly with Kings, they had substantive talks leading up to trade.
Conditions:
3rd becomes a 2nd with LA winning one playoff round. (Better of 3rd if they don’t win)
The 4th only transfers if LA wins two rounds.
The Maple Leafs could have easily made this trade, all things considered. However, they chose not to.
Based on this deal, it is clear that the New York Rangers are directionless right now, which is very sad for that fanbase.
Only time will tell whether or not this is going to work out for the Kings.
As for the Rangers, this is certainly a low point for the franchise.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Insider reveals Brad Treliving's plans for today's roster freeze
Insider reveals Brad Treliving's plans for today's roster freeze
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4|332 ANSWERS Artemi Panarin traded for a pitiful return: Are the Maple Leafs in on the deal? Do you believe Artemi Panarin was traded for peanuts? | ||
| YES | 267 | 80.4 % |
| NO | 65 | 19.6 % |
| List of polls | ||