My Artemi Panarin point projections for 2026-27 have the Los Angeles Kings winger producing 30 goals, 60 assists and 90 points in 84 games.
Panarin did not need much time to prove that his playmaking could translate from New York to Los Angeles. After being acquired by the Kings, he generated nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points in only 26 regular-season games. That 1.04 points-per-game pace translates to approximately 87 points over the NHL’s newly expanded 84-game schedule. His complete 2025-26 rate, 84 points in 78 appearances, projects to just over 90 points across the same schedule.
That is why 90 points is the right central forecast. Panarin remains one of hockey’s most creative passers, and he will begin his first full Kings season alongside more finishing talent than Los Angeles has offered its top playmaker in years. However, fantasy managers must balance that upside against his age, a new coaching system and uncertainty surrounding the final power-play alignment. The immediate takeaway is that Panarin remains an elite fantasy producer, but he should be drafted as a 90-point player rather than someone likely to revisit his 120-point career high.
Artemi Panarin Fantasy Hockey Projection for 2026-27
| Category | 2025-26 Actual | 2026-27 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 78 | 84 |
| Goals | 28 | 30 |
| Assists | 56 | 60 |
| Points | 84 | 90 |
| Projected Power-Play Points | — | 29 |
| Points Per Game | 1.08 | 1.07 |
My projection model weighs Panarin’s complete 2025-26 production more heavily than his smaller Los Angeles sample. His full-season pace works out to approximately 90.5 points over 84 games, while his 26-game Kings pace produces roughly 87.2. Combining those two indicators and allowing for better familiarity with his teammates produces an expected range of 87 to 93 points.
I have divided the final forecast into 30 goals and 60 assists because Panarin’s primary fantasy value continues to come through playmaking. He led the Rangers in assists, points, power-play assists and shots before the trade and then immediately became Los Angeles’ most dangerous offensive creator. The Kings’ season review noted that he recorded seven multi-point games and reached the scoresheet in 18 of his 26 appearances for the team.
Can Artemi Panarin Reach 90 Points With the Los Angeles Kings?
The strongest argument in Panarin’s favour is his projected top-line role with Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe. Kempe provides the high-end finishing ability Panarin needs beside him, while Byfield can use his size and skating to create space through the middle of the ice. NHL.com’s current projected lineup places those three together entering the season.
Panarin’s arrival already appeared to benefit Kempe during the second half of last season. The Kings’ internal season review described Panarin as the team’s most dangerous offensive player and suggested that Kempe and Anze Kopitar elevated their performances after he joined the club. Panarin produced more than a point per game despite entering the lineup after a 29-day break and having limited time to develop chemistry.
My personal observation is that Panarin’s transition to Los Angeles was more impressive than the raw totals suggest. The Kings were not an easy offensive environment. Before acquiring him, Los Angeles ranked fifth-lowest in goals per game and fourth-lowest in power-play percentage. Panarin still generated immediate offence and helped the club reach the postseason.
The Kings Power Play Will Determine Panarin’s Fantasy Ceiling
The top power play currently projects to feature Panarin, Kempe, Byfield, Mats Zuccarello and Brandt Clarke. That configuration would give Panarin multiple passing options, two dangerous shooters and a mobile young defenceman capable of keeping possessions alive at the blue line. Clarke recorded career highs of 40 points and 13 power-play points last season.
Zuccarello is particularly intriguing because he has averaged 25.4 power-play points per season since 2021-22. He and Panarin are both pass-first forwards, so there could be some overlap in their preferred roles. However, their combined vision could also make the Kings far less predictable with the man advantage.
Kevin Fiala could still force his way onto the first unit once healthy. His return would give new coach Peter Laviolette several options, and the Kings may experiment throughout training camp. For fantasy purposes, Panarin is the one player whose first-unit position should be considered secure. Los Angeles acquired him specifically to create offence, and he produced six power-play points in his first 26 games with the Kings.
Age Creates Risk, but Panarin’s Skill Set Should Remain Productive
Panarin will turn 35 shortly after the season begins, making age-related regression the most obvious concern. Fantasy managers should not automatically project him to maintain his prime production indefinitely.
Still, Panarin’s game is built more around anticipation, puck control and passing than pure speed or physical dominance. Those skills generally give an elite playmaker a better opportunity to remain productive later in his career. His NHL EDGE profile also remained impressive last season: before the trade, he ranked in the 97th percentile among forwards in average shot speed and the 95th percentile in offensive-zone time percentage.
Panarin also wanted long-term stability in Los Angeles rather than serving as a short-term rental. After the trade, he said, “I never wanted to go anywhere else,” and signed an extension that keeps him with the Kings through 2027-28. That commitment does not guarantee fantasy success, but it removes the uncertainty that often follows a pending unrestricted free agent.
Where Should Artemi Panarin Be Drafted in Fantasy Hockey?
Panarin should be targeted near the end of the fourth round in a standard 12-team fantasy draft. NHL.com currently ranks him 46th overall for 2026-27, one position ahead of Kings teammate Adrian Kempe.
I would move Panarin higher in formats that reward assists and power-play production. His value is lower in leagues that emphasize hits, penalty minutes and blocked shots because he does not offer the same peripheral-category floor as more physical wingers.
My reasonable scoring range is between 82 and 96 points. The lower end accounts for missed games, age-related decline or a Kings power play that continues to struggle. The upper end assumes strong chemistry with Kempe and Byfield, improved special teams under Laviolette and close to a full 84-game season.
The most likely result is 30 goals, 60 assists and 90 points. Panarin may no longer be a first-round fantasy selection, but he remains one of the safest high-end assist producers available after the opening rounds.
Artemi Panarin Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 830 | 330 | 624 | 954 | 140 |
| Playoffs | 77 | 23 | 41 | 64 | -22 |
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The post Artemi Panarin Point Projections 2026-27: Los Angeles Kings Fantasy Outlook appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
