WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Richard Panik #14 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal with teammates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Now that you’ve had a day to recover from the Detroit Red Wings’ NHL Trade Deadline blitz, it’s time to learn a little more about the three players who will soon be joining the organization.
For those with a scorecard, here is a four-day transaction recap: GM Steve Yzerman leveraged Anthony Mantha, two veteran defensemen (Patrik Nemeth and Jon Merrill), one minor-league defenseman (Brian Lashoff), and cash into two NHL forwards (Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik), an AHL prospect (Hayden Verbeek) and five draft picks, including a 2021 first-rounder.
Vrana and Panik are expected to join the Red Wings after COVID-19 protocols have been cleared and Verbeek was assigned to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
Here is a scouting report on the three newcomers:
Red Wings’ Richard Panik
Vitals
Age: 30.
Height: 6-1.
Weight: 203.
Position: Left Wing.
Scouting Report
- Drafted in the second round (52nd overall) in 2009 by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Displays skill and, on good nights, utilizes his big frame to create time and space.
- Scoring instincts develop from a high hockey IQ.
- Has shown an ability to play a strong two-way game, but has proven inconsistent.
Red Wings’ Jakub Vrana
Vitals
Age: 25.
Height: 6-0.
Weight: 197.
Position: Left Wing.
Scouting Report
- Drafted in the first round (13th overall) in 2014 by the Washington Capitals.
- Collected eight playoff points during the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup championship run, but has gone scoreless in his last 15 postseason outings.
- Elite skater with soft hands and creative scoring skills.
- Able to play both wings, but, at times, can struggle against physical opponents.
- Equipped with a strong shot, but, at times, lacks discipline and, like Mantha, can “disappear” for long stretches of games.
Griffins’ Hayden Verbeek
Vitals
Age: 23.
Height: 5-10.
Weight: 183.
Position: Center/Left Wing.
Scouting Report
- Undrafted.
- Comes from a strong family lineage (uncle Pat played for the Red Wings from 1999-2001).
- Good “energy” player who rarely suffers through an off-shift.
- Displays solid puck skills.
- Must keep skates moving to avoid bigger, more physical, opponents.
- Dressed for ECHL teams during 2018-19 (Maine) and 2019-20 (Adirondack).