Thomas Vanek Trade

Well, we all knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Regardless, it still comes as a shock: Thomas Vanek has been traded out of Buffalo. He’s probably quite relieved to get off of that sinking ship. Vanek played nearly 600 games (he leaves at 598) for the Sabres, and had been one of their best offensive players for quite some time now. That said, he’s in the last year of his deal, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and never sounded too excited about staying in Buffalo for a rebuild.

So, where’s he headed? To the New York Islanders, to play with John Tavares. Going the other way are a 2014 1^st round draft pick, 2015 2^nd round draft pick, and Matt Moulson. Moulson turned into an elite player on the Island, having great chemistry teaming up with Tavares and becoming a 30 goal scorer in the process. Vanek has eclipsed 20 every season, including last year’s lockout-shortened, topping out at 43. It will be interesting to see what he can do with Tavares.

Here’s another thing that’s interesting. In addition to helping turn him into a top player, Tavares and Moulson are good friends. What sort of effect will this have on each player? Moulson is going to a train wreck, and while Cody Hodgson is a good player, he’s no Tavares. Yes, Vanek is an elite scorer and should mesh well with Tavares, but what effect will losing a good friend and linemate have on Tavares? Will he struggle while adapting to a new linemate? Moulson and him were the constants, with a rotating cast joining them on the right side: first P.A. Parenteau, then Brad Boyes, and now Kyle Okposo.

As mentioned earlier, Vanek is unrestricted at the end of the season. It’s been long rumored that he’d head to Minnesota, to play with good friend Jason Pominville, and where Vanek played college hockey. The Islanders are taking a big risk hoping they can resign Vanek. As it is, it’s a lot sent to Buffalo: two high draft picks and a top-line player. Both Vanek and Moulson are 29, and with both players being unrestricted at season’s end, are pretty comparable. Then the Isles throw in two picks, with the possibility that Vanek might not resign, and this trade looks pretty good for the Sabres. It was pretty clear Vanek wasn’t staying in Buffalo, but will Moulson? He could also sign elsewhere. Perhaps the Sabres consider trading him at the deadline for more picks or prospects to further help restocking for their rebuild. It’ll be interesting to watch what happens with each player and speculate their futures until either signs an extension.

Now all the trade watch attention is now on Ryan Miller. We’re waiting Darcy.