The NHL saw the much-anticipated blockbuster trade on Wednesday night, as the New York Rangers traded their long-time star forward Artemi Panarin, 34, to new surroundings.

Panarin’s new team is the Los Angeles Kings. The compensation for the Russian player, who was playing his last contract season, ended up being meager, as the Rangers receive in exchange the forward prospect Liam Greentree, 20, and a conditional 3rd round draft pick. The Rangers will also retain half of Panarin’s $11.6 million salary.

Panarin has played 52 NHL games this season, with stats of 19+38=57. The Rangers recently announced that they would not offer their star a contract extension after the current season.

Greentree, who is heading to the Rangers, was the Kings’ 1st round 26th pick from the summer of 2024.

Shortly after the trade, Panarin and the Kings signed a two-year contract extension, which guarantees the Russian an annual income of $11 million.

On Wednesday night, Finnish time, a trade freeze began in the NHL, lasting from February 4 to 22, during which player trades are prohibited. Panarin’s trade was announced just before the trade freeze took effect at 10 PM.

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