Maple Leafs claim winger Richard Panik off waivers from Lightning
Posted Oct 9, 2014 12:39:11 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – In an effort to improve their forward depth, the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed winger Richard Panik off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Panik, 23, developed into a full-time NHL player last season with the Lightning and had three goals and 10 assists in 50 games.
After a less-than-inspired training camp and pre-season, Panik became the odd man out in Tampa Bay when rookie Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikita Kucherov emerged to make the team.
Claiming the 2009 second-round pick could be a smart gamble for the Leafs, who boasted they’d be better because of competition for roster spots not only in camp but during the season.
At six-foot-one and 201 pounds, Panik could fit on Toronto’s second, third or fourth line, displacing Matt Frattin.
To make room for Panik, the Leafs sent wingers Josh Leivo and Troy Bodie to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Both players will be available to the Marlies when they open their season Saturday against the Utica Comets, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks.
