Richard Panik is a Slovakian professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career in the Slovak Extraliga, playing for HC Slovan Bratislava, before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Panik made his NHL debut with the Lightning in the 2012-2013 season, playing in 25 games and scoring three goals and five assists. He continued to play for the Lightning for the next two seasons, before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014.
After a brief stint with the Maple Leafs, Panik was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016. He had a breakout season with the Blackhawks in the 2016-2017 season, scoring 22 goals and 22 assists in 82 games. He helped the Blackhawks reach the playoffs that year, but they were eliminated in the first round.
Panik continued to play for the Blackhawks for the next two seasons, but his production declined. He was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2018, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 2020.
In his NHL career, Panik has played in over 500 games, scoring 85 goals and 95 assists. He has also represented Slovakia in international competition, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and the IIHF World Championships.
Off the ice, Panik has been involved in charitable work, including supporting children's hospitals and organizations that help children with disabilities. He has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about his own struggles with anxiety and depression.
Overall, Richard Panik has had a successful career in the NHL, playing for several teams and making a significant impact on the ice. He has also been a positive influence off the ice, using his platform to support important causes and raise awareness about mental health.
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