The Kings’ mascot gave up his jersey number for Artemi Panarin, and in return, the ex-Rangers star decided to ice him out.
Panarin, who was traded to the Kings shortly before the Olympic break earlier this month, was looking to adopt the jersey No. 72 upon arriving in Los Angeles. But the number was already taken by the team’s mascot, Bailey.
A number trade then commenced between the two parties, with Panarin giving the mascot a Rolex watch in return for the No. 72 jersey, with the Kings posting the exchange on social media Friday.
Since the two will never be on the ice at the same time, Bailey will continue to wear the number in the stands, which seems to be a clear win-win for the mascot.
The reason behind Bailey wearing No. 72 is “because it’s always 72 degrees in Los Angeles,” according to NHL.com.
After agreeing to waive his no-movement clause with the Rangers, the 34-year-old Panarin said he “tried to find a team for myself that was where I wanted to be” while facilitating the trade to Los Angeles.
The Rangers shipped Panarin off to the Kings on Feb. 4, getting prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional draft pick in return.
Upon acquiring Panarin, the Kings signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract extension.
Despite his breakup with the Blueshirts, Panarin said that he was “pretty proud” to don the Rangers jersey and made some good memories while on the team.
“Six-and-a-half seasons is a pretty long time [to be in New York]. … A lot of good memories, a couple [Eastern] Conference finals. It was a great group of guys,” Panarin told reporters on Feb. 6. “I was pretty proud to wear [the Rangers’] jersey.
“And thank you to the fans. I have to make a video, actually.”
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