Richard Panik is the Chicago Blackhawks’ leading scorer through three games. He had his first NHL hat trick Saturday against the Nashville Predators, highlighted by an incredible, spinning backhand goal on a power move toward the net.
It’s only a few games, but it’s fair to say that Panik is going to be a key figure in the Hawks’ plans this season. For a player who less than a year ago got dumped by a team on its way to the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, it’s been an incredible turnaround.
It wasn’t a big deal when the Chicago traded for Panik.