"Thomas is a proven scorer in this league who will add some offensive savvy and experience to our young group of forwards," Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon said. "We believe strongly in our group and we're confident that he will help our power play and supplement our core effectively."
In trading for Vanek, the Panthers have acquired an exceptionally gifted offensive player at a very modest price. The 33-year-old winger, a prolific one-shot scorer throughout his NHL career, has been a dynamic producer this season and currently ranks fifth in the league in 5-on-5 point production (2.80 points per 60 minutes). At the time of the trade, Vanek was leading the Red Wings in total goals (15) and power-play goals (5), tied for the most power-play points (11), and ranked second in total assists (23).
"The Panthers showed last year that they're capable of making the payoffs," Vanek said via teleconference Wednesday. "They're a young team with a lot of talent, a great d-core, solid goaltending. For me, it's exciting to join that team and make a push."
Over 865 career NHL games, Vanek, the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, has recorded 687 points (331-356-687) for Detroit (2016-17), Minnesota (2014-16), Montreal (2014), New York Islanders (2013-14) and Buffalo Sabres (2005-2013).
"At this point in my career, I think teams know my game and what I'm about," Vanek said. "I think I'm a good leader in the room, so [the future] isn't on my mind. My mindset right now is to play good hockey and help this team out."