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‘Now Ken Holland finally does something?’ Oilers fans react to former GM’s move to acquire Artemi Panarin
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Woz
By Woz
Feb 5, 2026, 13:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 5, 2026, 13:44 EST
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We’re now living in a timeline where Artemi Panarin is in the Pacific Division, after the Los Angeles Kings acquired him from the New York Rangers and signed him to a contract extension.
It was only 10 years ago when he and Connor McDavid were battling it out for the Calder Trophy, but in the end, it was Panarin who took home the rookie of the year award.
Fast forward to today, and Oilers fans specifically have mixed opinions on this trade. Mostly because former Oilers GM Ken Holland made the trade for Panarin, leaving the Oilers faithful wondering where these types of moves were when he was GM in Edmonton.
We had to spend a first on Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick, and a 2nd to take in Duncan Keith’s full contract in a flat cap world but now Ken decides to do the smart thing to take advantage of NYR and then give Panarin low term hahaha dude screw you. – Shaedon via X
I hate Ken Holland so f****g much why couldn’t he do something like this when he was in Edmonton??? – Ryan Nutzenberger via X
Ken Holland when he has prime McDavid: hmm yes Andreas Athanasiou for 2 2nds. Ken Holland when Kopitar and Doughty are hours away from rigor mortis setting in. – Notorious TIG via X
Now Ken Holland finally does something??? He traded more for Athanasiou, Henrique and Keith. – BouchBombs via X
NOW F*****G KEN HOLLAND GOES FOR THE BIG FISH?? Gimmie a damn break dude my god. – NHL_Bouchard via X
The same doofus traded for Keith’s full contract, traded a 1st for Henrique…and yet he pulls this off. Drury really did Holland a favour here. – Raja Dhami vi X
I’m sick to my stomach. Ken Holland you fraud. The only big trade you made last year was Adam Henrique and Max F****g JONES.- @OilerDegenerate via X
Some fans are so upset they’re forgetting when Ken Holland was GM of the Oilers and who even traded for. There’s also the other side of it: Can Artemi Panarin help the Kings beat the Oilers in the playoffs?
You aren’t going to win a playoff series with Laf as your 1C, a purely offensive-minded older winger in a trap system is certainly a choice of all time.  – Sh4qHyman via Instagram
Surprised Holland didn’t give him the nurse anchor contract. – Albert Brule via Facebook
For a 3rd and retaining 50% of his salary, speaks volumes…there is a reason the rangers suddenly suck and are selling. – Corey Cooper via Facebook
Gave up a shoelace and a ham sandwich. – ericfuhr_ via Instagram
Oilers in 4. – Devincartwright via Instagram
22 million for a grandpa, good job, annual first round exit still comes. – Ayden.leee via Instagram
It seems not all Oilers fans are doom-and-gloom about this trade, as one of their rivals in the Pacific Division enhances their roster. There’s also another caveat: it’s been reported that Panarin only wanted to go to L.A.
Panarin’s first meeting against the Oilers will come just after the Olympic break, as the two teams are set to face off on February 26th in Los Angeles.

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