Richard Panik has yet to report to the Chicago Blackhawks after being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday due to visa issues, coach Joel Quenneville told reporters following Tuesday’s practice.
Panik, 24, was acquired from the Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Jeremy Morin. The Martin, Slovakia, native has tallied 25 points (nine goals and 16 assists in 33 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season. Last season, he set career highs with 11 goals and 17 points in 76 games. Panik’s one-year deal carries a $975,000 salary cap hit.
It’s not the first time the Hawks have dealt with visa issues this season. Forward Marcus Kruger missed the first week of preseason games while waiting for paperwork to be finalized after re-signing with the team.
Quenneville also told reporters Panik will be “in a pretty good spot,” when he joins the team. Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times believes that could mean starting at left wing on the top line with center Jonathan Toews and winger Marian Hossa.