Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik see ‘great opportunity’ with Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Free Press

Filip Hronek called and offered Jakub Vrana a place to stay. Richard Panik walked into a locker room full of familiar faces.

The newest members of the Detroit Red Wings enjoyed a smooth first day, going through practice in preparation for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Vrana and Panik were acquired at the trade deadline as part of the package return for Anthony Mantha, who debuted Tuesday for the Washington Capitals with a goal and an assist.

Ex-Detroit Red Wings voice Bruce Martyn on why Gordie Howe was greater than Wayne Gretzky ]

Vrana practiced with Valtteri Filppula and Michael Rasmussen. Panik was with Vladislav Namestnikov and Sam Gagner.

Vrana, 25, is a talented former first-round pick who should fit in well in the top six.

“I’m a strong skater. I got speed, I got a good shot,” he said. “I can create offense, create some momentum. Help the team at important moments on the ice. I’m going to do my best to fit in as quick as possible.

“I hope I can prove what I can do out there.”

Coach Jeff Blashill has Vrana in the spot previously occupied by Mantha, which creates a bit if stability for the other lines.

More: Anthony Mantha details ‘hard’ trade from Detroit Red Wings; originally missed Yzerman’s call

More: Detroit Red Wings captain took Anthony Mantha trade hard, but ‘we have so much to play for’

Panik, 30, is a veteran of 505 NHL games that includes stops in Tampa Bay, Toronto, Chicago and Arizona. That’s how he already has familiarity with Namestnikov, Filppula and goaltender Jonathan Bernier.

Vrana is from the same draft class as Dylan Larkin and Robby Fabbri, and is good friends with Hronek.

“He called me right away, asked me if I want to stay with him,” Vrana said. “We are at a hotel right now. All the guys were really nice to me first day here. Really smooth day for me. Give me a really nice welcome.

“The trade was kind of a shock, but this is a great opportunity.”

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her book, The Big 50: The Detroit Red Wings is available from AmazonBarnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.

Articles You May Like

Red Wings on Playoff Bubble at Thanksgiving Checkpoint
NHL Rumors: Red Wings, Rangers, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Canucks
Projected Lineups for the Canucks vs Red Wings – 12/01/24
Devils Ride Power Play to 5-4 Win Over the Red Wings
Red Wings Beat Flames 2-1 in Overtime

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *