New beginnings in the NHL often come with a price, but for Artemi Panarin, that price was a luxury timepiece. Following a blockbuster move that sent the superstar winger to the Los Angeles Kings, a unique logistical hurdle emerged: his preferred jersey number was already taken. In a move that has quickly become the talk of the hockey world, Panarin ensured he would continue wearing his signature No. 72 by gifting the Kings' mascot, Bailey, a Rolex watch in exchange for the digits.
A Star-Studded Arrival for the Los Angeles Kings
The acquisition of Artemi Panarin marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape for the Los Angeles Kings. As one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the league, Panarin brings a level of playmaking and scoring prowess that immediately elevates the Kings' top six. However, before the "Breadman" could take the ice at Crypto.com Arena, he had to settle a locker room—or rather, a mascot room—dispute.
Panarin has worn the No. 72 throughout the most successful stretches of his career, including his tenures with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers. For many elite athletes, a jersey number is more than just a digit; it is a part of their professional identity and personal brand. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Panarin made it clear that he intended to keep the tradition alive.
The Battle for No. 72: Panarin vs. Bailey
The only complication in Panarin’s request was that the No. 72 was already spoken for by one of the most recognizable figures in the organization: Bailey, the Los Angeles Kings' mascot. Bailey, a 6-foot-4 lion, has long sported the No. 72 in honor of the late Garnet "Ace" Bailey, the team’s former director of pro scouting who tragically passed away on September 11, 2001.
Because the number holds significant sentimental and historical value within the franchise, the negotiation for the jersey was handled with a mix of reverence and high-stakes sports tradition. While mascots typically don't have the leverage of a veteran player, Bailey’s status in Los Angeles meant that Panarin needed to make a substantial gesture to facilitate the switch.
A Time-Honored Hockey Tradition with a Mascot Twist
In the world of professional sports, it is common practice for a newly acquired veteran to "buy" a jersey number from a current teammate. Historically, these transactions have involved cash, high-end dinners, or luxury items. However, a player negotiating with a mascot is a rare occurrence that adds a layer of levity to the high-pressure environment of an NHL trade.
To seal the deal, Artemi Panarin presented Bailey with a Rolex watch. The gesture was documented as the official "payment" for the rights to wear No. 72 during his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. This act of generosity not only secured Panarin’s preferred aesthetic on the ice but also served as an immediate icebreaker with the team's staff and fan base.
The Significance of the Rolex Gesture
The choice of a Rolex as a gift highlights the respect Panarin has for the culture of the team he is joining. By participating in this tradition, he acknowledges the hierarchy and the history of the sweater numbers within the Kings' locker room. For Bailey, the mascot now possesses a high-value memento of the day the Kings landed one of the biggest stars in the game.
- Player: Artemi Panarin
- Recipient: Bailey (LA Kings Mascot)
- Gift: Rolex Watch
- Result: Panarin officially cleared to wear No. 72
Looking Ahead: Panarin’s Impact in Los Angeles
With the jersey number drama settled, the focus now shifts to the ice. The Los Angeles Kings are banking on Panarin to provide the offensive spark needed to make a deep postseason run. Panarin’s ability to control the pace of the game and find passing lanes that others don't see makes him a perfect fit for the Kings' evolving system.
As the Kings prepare for the upcoming stretch of the season, fans can expect to see No. 72 leading the charge. While the Rolex may have been a steep price for a jersey number, for a player of Panarin’s caliber, feeling at home in a new city is priceless. The "Breadman" is officially ready to cook in Los Angeles, and he’ll be doing it with his favorite number on his back and a very happy mascot cheering him on from the sidelines.
Sources & Original Reporting
