Thomas Vanek

Florida has added a quality top-nine forward for their pending playoff push. Bob McKenzie of TSN.ca reports the Panthers have acquired Thomas Vanek from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a third-round pick and defenseman Dylan McIlrath. Detroit will retain half of Vanek’s salary in the deal.

Darren Dreger of TSN.ca reports the third-round pick will become Arizona’s higher pick on the condition the Panthers make the playoffs.

With the Red Wings’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs for a 26th straight season in the gutter, the team is in full sell mode, something that some fans of the team have never seen in their lives. A third-round pick and a non-prospect like McIlrath isn’t a great return for Detroit, but adding the pick gives a rebuilding Detroit squad 11 picks in the next draft. Stocking up isn’t a bad idea for a Red Wings team without many decent prospects.

Getting another top-nine forward at a relatively low cost is a great move for Florida. Vanek was enjoying a productive season in Detroit, and was second on the team in scoring with 15 goals, 23 assists, and 38 points. Vanek is no stranger to being dealt at the deadline, as he was traded from the New York Islanders to the Montreal Canadiens in 2013-14.

Unfortunately for Vanek, his skill has been criticized due to his lack of playoff production. Five goals in his last 27 playoff games is a tad concerning. However, Vanek has elevated his game in 2016-17, and at the very least will provide needed secondary scoring in Florida. At the cost of a third-rounder, Dale Tallon did well to get depth at a low cost.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com