The NHL landscape shifted dramatically on Wednesday as the New York Rangers traded superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings just hours before the Olympic roster freeze. In a massive move that signals a retool for New York and a “win-now” desperation for Los Angeles, the Kings sent prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Rangers.
Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up the West Before Olympic Freeze
Panarin, who waived his no-movement clause to join the Kings, immediately signed a two-year, $22 million extension ($11M AAV). This is the spark Los Angeles has been searching for, adding an elite playmaker to a lineup fighting for playoff positioning. For the Rangers, moving on from their top scorer marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter under GM Chris Drury.
Meanwhile, the league prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympic break, with the final slate of games tonight before players head to Milano Cortina. The excitement is palpable, but the business of hockey hasn’t stopped, with rumors swirling around the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings as the trade deadline looms on the other side of the tournament.
NHL Scores & Game Notes: February 4, 2026
Wednesday night featured a massive 10-game slate filled with playoff implications and individual milestones. Here is a recap of the action:
Notes: Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson turned back the clock with 3 points each as the Habs stunned the Jets.
Notes: Zach Werenski netted his 20th goal (1st NHL D-man to do so this year). Jet Greaves earns the shutout.
Notes: Anton Lundell posted 3 points. Panthers edge the Bruins in a shootout thriller.
Notes: Ryan Lomberg scored the tiebreaking goal in the 3rd to help Calgary top their provincial rivals.
Notes: Shane Wright scored twice, leading the Kraken past the Kings despite the Panarin buzz.
Notes: Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev scored as Vegas sent Vancouver into the break on a loss.
Notes: Jamie Benn played hero, scoring the winner with just 23 seconds left in regulation.
Notes: Matt Boldy recorded the fastest hat trick to start a game in Wild history. Wild win in OT.
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The post NHL News Feb 5, 2026: Panarin Traded, Olympic Break & Scores appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
