Let The Vanek Rumors Begin

Will Tavares be enough to convince Vanek to stay?

From now until Thomas Vanek is either signed or traded, you can expect to see his name in the rumor mill almost everyday. Enjoy!







From TSN:

Darren Dreger: They'd (LA KINGS) like to add some scoring and a bit more skill but the sense is around the Kings that they're going to have to wait, let the money go down a little bit more. So, we're talking about a deal that probably doesn't happen much before the Mar. 5 trade deadline.

They're looking at rental players like Mike Cammalleri, Thomas Vanek perhaps Tomas Fleischmann or even Matt Moulson. That's the type of player the Kings feel would give them a bit of a push going into the playoffs.

USA Today:

New York Islanders

Player to watch: Thomas Vanek

Imagine Vanek playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings or Blues. He has 31 points in 32 games for the Islanders. But he has the potential to be even more productive on a better team.

The Islanders paid a big price (a first-round pick, a second-rounder and Moulson) for Vanek and would want a major return.

 Other free agents: Evgeni Nabokov, Andrew McDonald

My take: If Vanek is indeed traded, it will be at the absolute last second on March 5th. The Isles would loved to have signed him probably a few months ago to a long term contract, but Vanek will continue to take his time and look at the future of this team. Having said that, I believe he'll resign with the Islanders. Until that time however, the rumors will not go away. I also believe that Amac, despite the Islanders opening up contract discussions, will be traded as well. Will it be at the trade deadline or will it be similar to Mark Streit and be traded at the draft? 

If there is one pressing need for this organization, it's a legitimate number one goaltender and Vanek could certainly fetch one plus more. Amac is a wait and see trade as we'll come to find out what other teams may be willing to part as the rumors grow in intensity heading towards March 5th.