Tampa Bay Lightning second round selection - Richard Panik

Posted Jun 27, 2009 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Jun 27, 2009 at 10:12 AM

Tampa Bay has selected Slovakian winger Richard Panik
with the 52nd overall pick, their only second round selection after trading up with Detroit last night to gain an additional first round pick.

Panik is ranked 38th overall by TSN, 31st by The Hockey News, 35th by ISS, 60th by Red Line, 54th by McKeen’s and 13th among European skaters by Central Scouting.

Sounds like a kid with good offensive potential who is coming over to North America to play for Windsor of the OHL this season, but needs to have a better work ethic on and off the ice, at least according to this comment from ISS:

International Scouting Services: “Ranked higher by other scouting firms. Here at ISS we feel strongly that as the season progressed, Panik displayed some traits that are slightly concerning. After a strong performance at the 2008 U18 tournament in Kazan, Russia, he had a disappointing showing at this year’s WJC. Then, a season ending injury in knocked him out of World U-18 in Fargo, Minn. Consistency and ability to play the North American style of game are the two biggest question marks that come with Panik, but his offensive upside is extremely high. He has good outside speed and quick hands. “