Vaneks rejects Islanders offer

[Septumus]

Thomas Vanek has reportedly rejected a new contract from the New York Islanders. Apparently the offer similar to his 50 million 7 year deal he is currently on. As a result the Islanders are looking to trade him away.

Pretty raw deal for Islander fans after they trade Moulson, 1st rounder and a 2nd rounder for him, only for him to be there for half a season. The Islanders are looking to trade him, possibly for a goalie, but will anyone risk it? Vanek becomes a UFA this year and is free to sign anywhere he pleases. Vanek would command a decent return based on his skill if he was under contract for more than this year. As such, I don't see a solid trade coming back to the Islanders for him.

If the Islanders are unable to trade him sources are saying he wants to sign for the Wild as his wife works in Minnesota.

Horrible situation for the already struggling Islanders to be in. Do you see Vanek getting traded before the deadline? If so, what would you expect to come to the Islanders?

 

[Thriller Ant]

That's unfortunate, but it was the risk they took in trading for him. In all reality, the Islanders are kind of screwed. I don't know if sign-and-trades are legal in the NHL (all leagues seem to treat them differently), but short of that or some sort of miracle, the Islanders made a big gamble and lost.

 

[nightmare]

His play with Okposo on the first line has been great. He has said he likes being in the area & with that team, but obviously is looking towards the future. So if the terms are not what he wants, then that is why he rejected. I do expect a counter offer from the office again. Given that they need him & are not likely to get what they want if they trade- they should be smart enough to try and keep him as long as the terms are not too crazy.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Yes, he'll be traded. Likely for a package deal. The Islanders are desperate for defense and goaltending, so if they can put together a deal where Vanek goes to a team with cost-controlled depth in both departments, they'll be fine.

Who can blame him here for not wanting to hitch his wagon to one of the worst teams in the NHL anyway?

Also, it's been an NHL worst kept secret for months now that he wants to go to Minnesota, where his wife is from, where he played his college hockey and where his best friend (Jason Pominville) lives and plays.