BLACKHAWKS ACQUIRE PANIK

Chicago, Ill. - The Chicago Blackhawks announced today they have acquired forward Richard Panik from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Jeremy Morin.

Panik, 24, has tallied 25 points (9G, 16A) through 33 games with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies this season, including the game-winner in Toronto’s 3-2 overtime win vs. the Syracuse Crunch tonight. The Martin, Slovakia, native has registered 39 points (19G, 20A) in 151 career regular-season National Hockey League games across three seasons with Toronto (2014-15) and Tampa Bay (2012-14); he also appeared in two 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs games with the Lightning. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Panik has recorded 119 points (53G, 66A) in 166 regular-season AHL games across five seasons with the Marlies (2015-16), Syracuse (2012-14) and Norfolk Admirals (2009-10, 2011-12); the 2012 Calder Cup champion has added 20 points (14G, 6A) in 34 postseason games with Syracuse (2013) and Norfolk (2012). Panik appeared in four games with Team Slovakia at the 2014 Winter Olympics, in addition to representing Slovakia at the World Championships (2010, 2014, 2015).

Morin, 24, has notched 22 points (9G, 13A) in 28 games with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs this season. The Auburn, N.Y., native has collected 22 points (10G, 12A) in 82 career NHL games across six seasons with Chicago (2010-15) and Columbus (2014-15). Morin has tallied 180 points (90G, 90A) in 236 career AHL games across six seasons, all with Rockford (2010-16). He was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round (45th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft.

Next Home Game: Jan. 12 vs. Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. The Illinois Lottery Cup contest is also another “Winning Weekday.” If the IceHogs win, every fan in attendance will receive a free ticket of equal or lesser value to the next weekday game. Fans can also enjoy $2 beers, sodas, hot dogs, and companion tickets. The first 1,500 fans who enter through the doors will receive a slice of pizza from Papa Johns.