"In Anze Kopitar's final season in the NHL, and the Kings sitting three points out of third place in the Pacific Division, trading for Panarin signalled the decision to go for it. It was a decision that was expected, whether it was the right or wrong one for the future of this franchise. Management has made it abundantly clear over the past couple of seasons that the Kings are in it to win it and have no interest in rebuilding right now."
"Fiala, representing Switzerland at the Olympics, was injured during a pre-elimination game against Canada when he and Tom Wilson got tangled up along the boards. Fiala, in visible discomfort, needed a stretcher to leave the ice. It was later revealed by the Kings that he would miss the remainder of the regular season and be reevaluated at the conclusion of the regular season. Fiala underwent successful surgery to repair fractures in his left leg."
"And why would they? While the Kings are clearly not a contender, all they have proven through 56 games this season is that they are right in the mix and have a team that is competitive enough to remain there. Defensively, this team is elite, and it's the reason they have been "right there" all season long. Offensively is where they have struggled, so ultimately bringing in a consistent 90-point player makes a ton of sense for a team trying to win now."
Los Angeles Kings traded prospect Liam Greentree and conditional 2026 third- and 2028 fourth-round picks to acquire Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. The move aims to address offensive struggles by adding a consistent 90-point forward to a defensively elite team chasing a playoff spot in Anze Kopitar's final season. The Kings sit three points out of third in the Pacific Division and have signaled a win-now approach rather than rebuilding. Kevin Fiala suffered fractures in his left leg during the Olympics and will miss the remainder of the regular season. Fiala underwent successful surgery and will be reevaluated after the season.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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