Thomas Vanek Traded to Panthers for Dylan McIlrath, Draft Pick

The Detroit Red Wings continued their fire sale prior to Wednesday's NHL trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET, as they announced they dealt winger Thomas Vanek to the Florida Panthers for a conditional 2017 third-round draft pick and defenseman Dylan McIlrath.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was the first to report the trade. TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that Detroit will retain half of Vanek's remaining salary for the 2016-17 season. Per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the Panthers sent their own 2017 third-rounder to the Red Wings as part of the deal.

The 33-year-old Vanek is enjoying a strong year for Detroit, as he leads the team with 15 goals and is second in points with 38 in 48 games played.

Vanek is a former All-Star selection who spent the first nine years of his career with the Buffalo Sabres after being selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft.

He has topped 30 goals in a season on four occasions, although he hasn't done so since 2010-11.

Florida marks his sixth different team since 2013-14, as he has spent time with the Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and Red Wings.

The Austria native is a highly skilled player who excels with the man advantage, as 129 of his 331 career NHL goals have come on the power play.

Vanek is set to hit free agency during the offseason, but he adds a temporary boost to Florida's forward group, as it currently sits one point out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

While the third-round pick was the biggest part of the return for Detroit, McIlrath is a 24-year-old former first-round selection of the New York Rangers.

He has appeared in just 43 career NHL regular-season games, including five with the Panthers this season.

McIlrath has largely been labeled a bust, but he will have an opportunity to change that perception for a Red Wings team that appears to be rebuilding.