Vancouver, British Columbia — Thomas Vanek’s brief stay with the Red Wings is over.
With the 3 p.m. trade deadline approaching, the Red Wings traded Vanek to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Dylan McIlrath, and a 2017 third-round draft pick. The Red Wings also are retaining 50 percent of Vanek’s salary.
Vanek, 33, was signed by the Red Wings last summer to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million in a move many analysts felt was a no-risk gamble.
The gamble paid off nicely, as Vanek produced 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 48 games with a plus-2 rating.