Kings Stanley Cup Odds Cut in Half Following Panarin Trade

Panarin reportedly told the Rangers that LA was the only destination he’d accept. His full no-movement clause gave him all the leverage, and he used it. Chris Drury had his hands tied, forcing him to take whatever the Kings offered.

Panarin also agreed to a two-year extension worth $11 million AAV, a slight pay cut from his current $11.642 million cap hit. The Rangers retained 50% of his remaining salary to make the math work.

What Panarin Brings to LA

The Breadman has 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 52 games this season. He’s tracking toward 86 points over 78 games, which would be his ninth straight year averaging over a point per game.

Since 2019-20, Panarin has 205 goals and 402 assists for 607 points in 482 games. He’s been one of the most productive wingers in the league, and LA badly needed someone who can actually finish.

LA’s underlying numbers are actually pretty strong. They rank sixth in Corsi For percentage at 52.81% and ninth in expected goals percentage. The problem? They’re dead last in overall shooting percentage at 7.84%. Panarin should help fix that finishing issue.

Anze Kopitar’s Upcoming Retirement

Playoff positioning wasn’t the only factor in this trade. Anze Kopitar has been the face of this franchise for over a decade, and retirement isn’t far off. The organization wanted to give their captain a real shot at another deep run.

Oilers have become LA’s playoff kryptonite, eliminating them in four consecutive first-round matchups. No coaching change or minor roster tweak has been able to break that cycle. GM Ken Holland is attempting to force a way through the Pacific Division by bringing in a playmaker of Panarin’s caliber.

Kopitar just got back from injury too, so the timing is perfect. LA now has two legitimate top-six playmaking threats instead of asking Kopitar to do everything himself.

Kings Stanley Cup Betting Value

The Kings at +2500 offer some value if you believe Panarin can single-handedly elevate their offense. But there are real concerns here.

LA is fighting to avoid the second Wild Card spot, which would mean a first-round date with the Avalanche. Colorado sits at +350 for a reason. The Avs have the league’s best offense and look like their 2022 championship squad all over again.

The Kings’ path to a deep run likely involves ducking Colorado and drawing Edmonton instead. The Oilers are dangerous but have lost back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. That’s a matchup LA likely prefers, even with the recent history.

The good news? LA’s goaltending has been elite, ranking second in the league with a .924 save percentage. If Panarin can unlock some scoring and the netminding holds up, the Kings could be a tough out in April.

I’m not betting the Kings to win it all, though. Colorado and Tampa Bay are built better, and Vegas just added Rasmus Andersson to a roster that already features Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner. The West is loaded, and LA still feels like a team that’s a piece or two away from true contention.

But +2500 isn’t crazy if you’re searching for a longshot with upside. Stranger things have happened during the playoffs, and Panarin completely changes the ceiling for this roster.