DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 15: Richard Panik #24 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena on April 15, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
When the Detroit Red Wings acquired Jakub Vrana and Richard Panik during Monday’s NHL Trade Deadline, most of the immediate attention focused on one player.
And Vrana didn’t disappoint during his debut, scoring on his first shot and sparking the Red Wings to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena.
If fans were not immediately discussing Vrana’s speed, puck-handling skills, and untapped potential, they were glowing over the 2021 first-round draft pick and the 2022 second-rounder the Red Wings also received in the deal with the Washington Capitals for Anthony Mantha.