Perhaps the least discussed aspect of the Anthony Mantha trade was the acquisition of Richard Panik. How did he do in this first twelve games as a Red Wing?
2021 Statline (In Detroit)
Games Played: 12
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
+/-: 0
Preseason Projection
Veteran depth on a potential championship team in Washington
2021 Season in a Nutshell
Richard Panik was not having the best season over in Washington before the trade deadline. In 36 games, Panik only found the back of the net three times, with an additional six assists. Considering his base salary of $2.2 million (And a cap hit of $2.75 million, per spotrac.com), the production was just not sufficient for a cup vying for the Stanley Cup.
Panik’s season in Washington was cut short at the trade deadline, as he was involved the Capitals acquisition of Red Wings forward, Anthony Mantha. Steve Yzerman again weaponized the teams
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low salary cap figure and put Panik’s contract on the books for increased asset value (Similar to the Marc Staal deal).
Since the trade, Panik has been greatly overshadowed by fellow trade piece, Jakub Vrana. Vrana has had quite the introduction to Detroit, averaging a point per game in eleven. While Panik hasn’t been nearly at the same level, he’s certainly b een competent.
Panik’s nabbed a goal and three assists in 12 games as a Red Wing. While that’s not great by any means, Panik hasn’t been a liability on the ice, which is something that can’t be said for some of the other veteran depth in Detroit. He’s basically been another veteran warm body that slots in well to Blashill’s system.
They Said It
“He’s a big, strong guy who has ability. We’ve talked all year long about trying to have good depth of scoring and depth of offense and being able to play four lines. He gives us another guy, and I don’t know where in those lines he fits exactly, we’ll see. But the point is, at times he’s been a good NHL player, and if he can be a good NHL player for us, that’s another guy that can bring depth for us.”
-Jeff Blashill, via the Detroit News