Imagine a hockey player trading a luxury watch with a mascot just to wear a specific jersey number. Sounds bizarre, right? But that’s exactly what happened when Artemi Panarin joined the Los Angeles Kings. Here’s the full story—and trust me, it’s as quirky as it sounds. In the world of sports, it’s not uncommon for players to swap gifts or favors to secure a coveted jersey number from a teammate. But what if the number you want belongs to the team’s mascot? Well, it turns out the rules don’t change—even if the recipient is a furry, larger-than-life character.
Artemi Panarin, the seasoned winger, was recently traded to the Los Angeles Kings just before the Olympic break. His mission? To reclaim the number 72, the same one he wore when he first entered the league with the Chicago Blackhawks. There was just one hitch: Bailey, the Kings’ beloved mascot, already sported that number. Why? Because, as the team jokingly explains, 'It’s always 72 degrees in Los Angeles.' And this is the part most people miss—mascots can have jersey numbers too, and they’re not just giving them up for free.
So, a unique trade was born. Panarin got his No. 72, and Bailey? The mascot walked away with a brand-new Rolex. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it fair for a player to outbid a mascot, even if it’s with a luxury gift? And does Bailey really need a Rolex when they’re already the face of the team? The Kings seem to think it’s all in good fun, even tweeting a photo of both Panarin and Bailey proudly displaying their '72s.'
Here’s the kicker: Bailey will still wear No. 72 in the stands, since the mascot won’t be on the ice with Panarin. So, in the end, it’s a win-win—Panarin gets his number, Bailey gets a watch, and fans get a story they’ll never forget. But we want to hear from you: Is this a harmless tradition or a strange overstep? Let us know in the comments!
