Florida Panthers

Thomas Vanek on the move again, heads to Panthers in deadline deal

Published Mar. 1, 2017 12:38 p.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Thomas Vanek has become somewhat of a journeyman over the past handful of years, and the veteran winger is on his way to a new team once again.

The Detroit Red Wings sent the 33-year-old forward to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday in exchange for Dylan McIlrath and a conditional third-round pick. If the Panthers make the playoffs, the third round pick Detroit receives will be Arizona's instead of of Florida's.

Vanek is on a one-year deal worth $2.6 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. The Red Wings agreed to retain half of Vanek's salary in the deal with Florida.

The Panthers are hoping that the winger can provide them with additional offensive depth down the stretch as they try to lock up a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Through 48 games this season, Vanek has amassed 15 goals and 38 points for a struggling Detroit team.

It's worth noting that Vanek has struggled during postseason play in the past. His last playoff appearance came in 2015, when he failed to score a goal in 10 postseason games with the Wild.

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