The Florida Panthers are loading up at the forward position.
The club has acquired Thomas Vanek from the Detroit Red Wings for a 2017 third-round draft pick, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
TSN's Bob McKenzie added another piece to the trade puzzle.
FLA gives up Dylan McIlrath and a third round pick to DET for Thomas Vanek. DET retains 50 per cent of salary.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 1, 2017
Here's some more info on that third-round pick.
The 3rd-round pick in Vanek deal goes from Panthers 3rd to Arizona's 3rd if the Panthers make the playoffs.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) March 1, 2017
Vanek was playing in Detroit on a one-year contract, $2.6-million and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
He boosted his value with Detroit to the tune of 15 goals and 23 assists in 48 games, and will now bring that production to a Panthers squad looking to climb back into a playoff spot.
McIlrath was drafted 10th overall by the New York Rangers in 2010. In 43 career games, the 24-year-old defenseman has recorded three goals and two assists.
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