SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Panthers were not expected to be big players at the NHL Trade Deadline.
In the weeks leading up to the big day, both President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon and General Manager/Interim Head Coach Tom Rowe have downplayed the Panthers’ need to acquire much help for a playoff run.
Part of that was due to Florida winning five straight games, all on the road, in impressive fashion, but surely another part was to remain below the radar.
That became clear on Wednesday when the Panthers made the first big move of deadline day, snagging offensive forward Thomas Vanek from the Detroit Red Wings.