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Thomas Vanek should demand a trade

July 26, 2013, 12:26 PM ET [206 Comments]
Kevin Freiheit
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
So Nathan Gerbe is now with the Hurricanes on a 2 way contract. Glad to see someone signed him because I always liked his effort. We'll see if the fans in Carolina will fall in love with Gerbe because of his heart, and seem to miss the fact that there is limited offensive production.

Most of you probably heard or saw what Thomas Vanek had to say this week about the team, and I agree with him. Of course Vanek doesn't want to be on a team that is starting a rebuild, but he only has one year left on his contract.

If you were Thomas Vanek, would you demand a trade before the season starts?

For me, I would demand a trade at this point. Here's what Vanek had to say:

“We’re rebuilding, and I’m hoping we have the right pieces to accomplish something. I’m not saying I’m old. At 29, I’ve still got many years left,” Vanek explained. “But at the same time, you like to be on a team where you feel like going into camp you’re contending. You’re not guaranteed to win a Cup, but right now in Buffalo I think we’re rebuilding which is not the best case scenario for me. But at the same time, there’s a lot of good young players and hopefully we pick the right ones.” - NHL.com

He's right in the fact that it's not the beset case scenario for him. Actually, it's probably the worst. I don't see Vanek playing past this season for Buffalo, so might as well get him out of there and see what you can get in return.

If I'm Vanek, there's no point in me wasting a season in my prime to play for a team that will struggle to make the playoffs.

I think Vanek is too nice of a guy to demand a trade, though. I think it would be more beneficial down the road to trade Vanek this summer and try to get a couple of picks or prospects in return. Waiting until the deadline is another option, but I think it'd be best for Vanek to request a trade prior to October.

Vanek is an incredible player with amazing talent. I want to see him go somewhere that gives him the opportunity to contend for the Stanley Cup. That's not going to happen in Buffalo for a few years, at least.



As always, thank you for reading!

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