Vanek excited to be Jagr's newest teammate

Jaromir Jagr has played with hundreds of teammates over his 22-year career. He's about to have one more in Thomas Vanek.

The Detroit Red Wings dealt Vanek to the Panthers prior to Wednesday's trade deadline, receiving a third-round pick for the veteran winger who's clearly pumped to join a legend in Florida.

"To be on a team with (Jaromir Jagr) will be amazing," Vanek told Sportsnet, as reported by George Richards of the Miami Herald. "To be on the same team with him will be fun."

With 158 goals this season, Florida ranks in the league's bottom third in offense, so Vanek's acquisition makes sense. The streaky scorer had enjoyed a rebound season with the Red Wings - ranking second on the team with 38 points before the trade - after having his contract bought out by the Minnesota Wild last offseason.

Vanek hopes to carry forward his rediscovered scoring flair when he arrives in Florida. He'll have the chance to do so alongside one of the greatest scorers of all-time.

The Panthers next game comes Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, but there's no confirmation on whether Vanek will be in the lineup. He's traveling from Vancouver after the Red Wings faced the Canucks on Tuesday.