The Florida Panthers made the first big move of the NHL’s final day of trading by acquiring veteran forward Thomas Vanek from the Detroit Red Wings.
Vanek, 33, has 15 goals and 38 points with the Wings this season. He has 331 career goals in parts of 12 seasons with the Sabres, Islanders, Wild and Wings.
Vanek is expected to meet the Panthers in Philadelphia and be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Flyers.
Although the cost wasn’t cheap — Florida gave up a third round draft pick and defenseman Dylan McIlrath (who has spent much of the year in the minors) — the Panthers didn’t give up a roster player in trying to improve their team.