Talent Analysis
Panik is a highly-skilled, offensively-gifted forward with the size and speed needed to be a constant scoring threat. Like many young goal scorers, he has not yet developed his game on the defensive end - and is inconsistent in that area. Panik gained valuable experience playing in his first year in North America last season as well as with Slovakia playing against pros at the World Championships. He is still growing and developing but is a very promising offensive forward.
Future
Panik will be in camp with Tampa Bay this season but barring a major surprise he will return to the OHL. Panik has as much offensive ability as any of the forward prospects in the Lightning organization. He projects as a valuable winger who provides consistent offense.