Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty
DETROIT, April 12, 2021 ~ The Detroit Red Wings today acquired right wing Richard Panik, left wing Jakub Vrana, a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for right wing Anthony Mantha.
Panik has skated in 36 games with Washington this season, landing nine points (3-6-9) and 16 penalty minutes.
Vrana ranks among Capitals leaders this season with 11 goals, 14 assists and 25 points in 39 games this season.
Anthony Mantha was a 2013 first-round pick, landing 95 goals and 99 assists over 302 career games. Signing a four-year contract in November, Mantha is still under contract through 2023-24 with a cap of $5.7 million.
General Manager Steve Yzerman is said to be embarking on a complete rebuild for the team, and according to sources he became open in the last couple weeks to trading Mantha. The team is headed towards their fifth consecutive year missing the postseason, and the once-core Mantha, Larkin, Bertuzzi trio may not be viewed as valuable in recent months.
The Red Wings have completed four trades since Friday, adding five more draft picks over the next two seasons for a total of 22 selections between the 2021 and 2022 NHL Entry Drafts.
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