Panthers Acquire Thomas Vanek From Detroit

The Florida Panthers bolstered their roster ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring Thomas Vanek on Wednesday.

Going back to Detroit will be Dylan McIlrath and a third-round pick. The exact pick will be conditional, based on Florida's success. If Florida reaches the playoffs, Detroit will receive Arizona's third-round selection. If the Panthers miss the postseason, then their own pick will go to Detroit instead.

Florida has been a hot run as of late, and is within only one point of a playoff spot. Adding a guy like Vanek could end up being the difference maker for the team. Vanek comes at a low cost as well, making this a relatively low risk deal with a potentially high reward. Detroit is even picking up half of the cap hit for Vanek, which sweetens the deal even more.

Vanek is not the prolific player he once was, but he still has plenty left in the tank. The 33-year old leads Detroit in goals this year with 15 and has 38 points overall. The forward will provide some more veteran leadership alongside Jaromir Jagr, and that is something he personally is excited about..

“To be on a team with [Jagr] will be amazing,” Vanek said following the trade agreement. “To be on the same team with him will be fun.”

McIlrath meanwhile only saw action this year in five games for Florida, and could be given a bigger and better opportunity with the Red Wings. Detroit is currently reshaping the roster, and is rebuilding for the future. McIlrath will now have a chance to be a big part of that future. In Florida, his opportunities would have likely remained rare.

Vanek is a free-agent after this season, so this could be a rental for the Panthers. With the low cost of the acquisition however, it could be a deal that works out for both clubs.