Richard Panik joined the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday after dealing with visa issues this past week.
Panik, 24, was acquired from the Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Jeremy Morin on Jan. 3. 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.
Panik will wear No. 14. Viktor Tikhonov was the last player to wear the number for the Hawks.
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 last week Panik will be “in a pretty good spot,” when he joins the team. Panik did skate during Tuesday’s morning skate, but was not on the main line rushes.
With the Hawks on a seven-game winning streak after defeating Colorado on Sunday, it’ll be interesting to see where and when Panik draws into the lineup.
Chicago hosts Nashville on Tuesday night at United Center before traveling to Canada for a back-to-back in Montreal and Toronto on Thursday and Friday, respectively.