The Kings’ mascot gave up his jersey quantity for Artemi Panarin, and in return, the ex-Rangers star determined to ice him out.
Panarin, who was traded to the Kings shortly earlier than the Olympic break earlier this month, was seeking to undertake the jersey No. 72 upon arriving in Los Angeles. However the quantity was already taken by the staff’s mascot, Bailey.
A quantity commerce then commenced between the 2 events, with Panarin giving the mascot a Rolex watch in return for the No. 72 jersey, with the Kings posting the trade on social media Friday.
For the reason that two won’t ever be on the ice on the identical time, Bailey will proceed to put on the quantity within the stands, which appears to be a transparent win-win for the mascot.
The rationale behind Bailey sporting No. 72 is “as a result of it’s at all times 72 levels in Los Angeles,” in line with NHL.com.
After agreeing to waive his no-movement clause with the Rangers, the 34-year-old Panarin stated he “tried to discover a staff for myself that was the place I needed to be” whereas facilitating the commerce to Los Angeles.
The Rangers shipped Panarin off to the Kings on Feb. 4, getting prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional draft choose in return.
Upon buying Panarin, the Kings signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract extension.
Regardless of his breakup with the Blueshirts, Panarin stated that he was “fairly proud” to don the Rangers jersey and made some good recollections whereas on the staff.
“Six-and-a-half seasons is a reasonably very long time [to be in New York]. … A variety of good recollections, a pair [Eastern] Convention finals. It was a terrific group of fellows,” Panarin advised reporters on Feb. 6. “I used to be fairly proud to put on [the Rangers’] jersey.
“And thanks to the followers. I’ve to make a video, really.”
