Artemi Panarin: the Kings mascot prevents him from wearing #72

Vincent Larue
Artemi Panarin: the Kings mascot prevents him from wearing #72
Credit: NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 5, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings made a big splash by acquiring Artemi Panarin. An immediate impact player, an offensive star capable of changing the face of a team and, above all, a clear message to the rest of the NHL: the Kings want to win too.

But no sooner had Panarin arrived in California than he found himself facing a situation that was unexpected, to say the least. A minor detail, certainly, but unusual enough to elicit a reaction.

The number 72 he would like to wear is simply not available with the Kings.

The reason: it already belongs to the mascot.

Bailey, the organization's iconic lion, has proudly worn number 72 for several years. A viral Instagram post quickly set the stage: Panarin next to the mascot, the same number prominently displayed, with a clear message. Too late, the jersey is taken.

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A post shared by B/R Open Ice (@br_openice)

Normally, this kind of situation is fairly easy to resolve in the NHL. When a star player wants a number already worn by a teammate, a discussion ensues.

Often, the star player offers a gift as a token of appreciation. A luxury watch, such as a Rolex, or a symbolic item. In short, a cordial trade that is settled internally.

But here, the problem is different.

Bailey is not just a supporting player who can be won over with a gift. The Kings' mascot wears this number for a very specific reason. His name pays tribute to Garnet “Ace” Bailey, the team's former director of professional scouting, who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The number 72 is therefore steeped in meaning and is an integral part of the franchise's identity.

For Panarin, however, this number is far from insignificant. It's the number he wore in Chicago when he started out in the NHL, quickly establishing himself as one of the most electrifying forwards in the Bettman circuit. In New York, he had already had to give it up, opting for number 10 with the Rangers.

And now, in Los Angeles, history is repeating itself.

Panarin will have to make a decision: keep number 10, choose a new number, or simply accept that this new chapter will begin without his lucky number. In any case, the Kings didn't acquire him for what's on his back… but for what he can produce on the ice.


Overtime

– Interesting.

– Charlie McAvoy's face after the hard hit he took.

– Three NHL players are their country's flag bearers.

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