Former New Jersey Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek is on the move again. The San Jose Sharks have traded the former Devil to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Patrick Giles.
Vanecek, 29, will now provide the Panthers with another option for their backup goaltender role. Florida notably sent Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks as a part of the Seth Jones trade, so it makes sense that the Cats are bringing in Vanecek for more experienced goaltender depth.
Vanecek has struggled this season and will look to get things on track with the Panthers. In 18 games this campaign, Vanecek has a 3-10-3 record, a .882 save percentage, and a 3.88 goals-against average. Perhaps playing on a far better Panthers club that has a strong blueline will benefit him.
Vanecek spent the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons as a member of the Devils. In his first season with New Jersey, he was quite solid, posting a 33-11-4 record, a .911 save percentage, and a 2.45 goals-against average. However, he struggled last season, as he had a .890 save percentage and a 3.18 goals-against average.
Vanecek's time with the Devils ended when he was traded to the Sharks last March in exchange for goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen.
It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact Vanecek can make with the Panthers from here.
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