Its not average for players like him. There are currently 10 forwards in the NHL who make more than Vanek (of course you'll be adding Corey Perry and Getzlaf to that list next year):

Ovechkin, Alex $9,538,462
Malkin, Evgeni $8,700,000
Crosby, Sidney $8,700,000
Staal, Eric $8,250,000
Nash, Rick $7,800,000
Lecavalier, Vincent $7,727,273
Parise, Zach $7,538,462
Heatley, Dany $7,500,000
Gaborik, Marian $7,500,000
Stamkos, Steven $7,500,000
Vanek, Thomas $7,142,857

Of those 10, only Nash, Gaborik and Lecavalier are overpaid contracts. Nash received his contract because he was the ONLY star in Columbus. He was overpaid because they could offer him that and wanted him there. Gaborik got his in free agency when the Rangers wanted him badly. He was coming off three straight point per game seasons though. Lecavalier received his contract after some impressive seasons.

Heatley received his contract after 2 straight 50-50 seasons and a 40-40 season. His sharp decline couldnt have been that predictable although his attitude may have foreshadowed it.

Behind Vanek, there are only 4 other forwards who make $7M.

Spezza, Jason $7,000,000
Iginla, Jarome $7,000,000
Thornton, Joe $7,000,000
Semin, Alexander $7,000,000

Semin might be the only contract of these players that is overpaid.


In short, no the market for a player like Vanek is nowhere near $7M. There are 4 players out of 17 that make $7M per year or more that have overpaid contracts.

All the overpaid contracts were either given to the only perceived stars on a team or in free agency.
- theblueandgold

Vanek will get 7 or more from another team

Vanek will get 7 or more from another team
- SABRES 89

If he wants to go to a "contender"... youre looking at: Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston. Teams that could be contenders: Anaheim, Vancouver, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Minnesota, San Jose, St Louis.

Out of those teams, the only ones that have room for a $7M+ player would be the Islanders. Others if they moved some of their other players for Vanek. The majority of these teams, other than the Rangers, Vancouver, and now Anaheim, are pretty damn smart with their salary cap. The Blackhawks got Hossa for under 6M. Chicago has all their stars under 6.5M. Detroit has everyone under $7M. LA has everyone mostly under 6.5M. Boston is inching closer to cap hell because all their previous players have earned some raises, but still are under $6M.

I have no argument that Vanek could get stupid money, probably higher than his contract now, but it will come from a team that is far from contending and who has room to sign him to that.

I do have an argument that saying his value, and the market puts him at $7M+

Armia scores 30 alone
There is depth there though to try and trade for "stars" should they be available
- jdfitz77

Who do you think he is, Armiarenko?

If he wants to go to a "contender"... youre looking at: Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston. Teams that could be contenders: Anaheim, Vancouver, NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Minnesota, San Jose, St Louis.

Out of those teams, the only ones that have room for a $7M+ player would be the Islanders. Others if they moved some of their other players for Vanek. The majority of these teams, other than the Rangers, Vancouver, and now Anaheim, are pretty damn smart with their salary cap. The Blackhawks got Hossa for under 6M. Chicago has all their stars under 6.5M. Detroit has everyone under $7M. LA has everyone mostly under 6.5M. Boston is inching closer to cap hell because all their previous players have earned some raises, but still are under $6M.

I have no argument that Vanek could get stupid money, probably higher than his contract now, but it will come from a team that is far from contending and who has room to sign him to that.

I do have an argument that saying his value, and the market puts him at $7M+
- theblueandgold

Not only are you right about the limited teams that can afford him, but if he goes to the Ilses for example at some crazy number like 8 or 9m, once 2 years go by with no cup, they will be dying to get him off the payroll. Then he'll bounce all over the leauge on 1 and 2 year deals getting dealt at every deadline. No stability = no fun.

You should . We would show you the same respect
- cabin

I wrote a blog here once. I know it was good because I got (frank)ing slammed by everybody!
- Buffalo--Sabres

Who do you think he is, Armiarenko?
- howie feltersnatch

i think its safe to be more than excited about armia

Who do you think he is, Armiarenko?
- howie feltersnatch

who do you think you are, a clown?!

i think its safe to be more than excited about armia
- robz228

Armia scores 30 alone
There is depth there though to try and trade for "stars" should they be available
- jdfitz77

i'm going to say 15 - 20(maybe) next year .

but agreed 30

i'm going to say 15 - 20(maybe) next year .

but agreed 30
- gerbe75pts

Hey don´t know if it is true Gerbe75 but I here Armia doesn´t always try? Any word?

Rumors and speculation don't increase odds of anything. Ruff isn't coming to vancouver.

Hey don´t know if it is true Gerbe75 but I here Armia doesn´t always try? Any word?
- toddkac

Isn't that the rumor with every euro? Not saying its not true but they say that about almost everyone not from North America

Not only are you right about the limited teams that can afford him, but if he goes to the Ilses for example at some crazy number like 8 or 9m, once 2 years go by with no cup, they will be dying to get him off the payroll. Then he'll bounce all over the leauge on 1 and 2 year deals getting dealt at every deadline. No stability = no fun.
- Buffalo--Sabres

I have said the Isles would be a good fit for a while. It's a sexy move and he would be good with JT. And it might be perfect timing with them surging into a legit threat

Hey don´t know if it is true Gerbe75 but I here Armia doesn´t always try? Any word?
- toddkac

he has a little of lazy vanek in him sometimes..

that can be worked out not that worried about it

Just curious what sabres fans think on the buyout situation .... What sabres could be bought out? I don't get to watch many sabres games so I really have no clue who is playing well etc

I have my doubts on Ruff to Vancouver. I think he will want to go somewhere with less pressure than what exists in Van City. I think Arniel is a more likely choice: http://t.co/h83hRwu1Gd

Just curious what sabres fans think on the buyout situation .... What sabres could be bought out? I don't get to watch many sabres games so I really have no clue who is playing well etc
- Redmile247

Leino. Or Stafford.

Just curious what sabres fans think on the buyout situation .... What sabres could be bought out? I don't get to watch many sabres games so I really have no clue who is playing well etc
- Redmile247

I personally dont see any Sabres being bought out this year.

if any of you are branching out into your own blogging world i am a broke web developer looking for work!

.. just sayin....
- robz228

Make me a cheap web store for $300 that looks nice

who do you think you are, a clown?!


- theblueandgold

I personally dont see any Sabres being bought out this year.
- theblueandgold

Maybe leino if healthy

Unless they make drastic changes to compete soon

Make me a cheap web store for $300 that looks nice
- homiedclown

Exactly what you need.

Maybe leino if healthy

Unless they make drastic changes to compete soon
- homiedclown

I don't think so. They have to keep some veterans. He'll be fine, especially without Ruff.

I personally dont see any Sabres being bought out this year.
- theblueandgold

I can actually see that with a lot of potential buyouts , what is the window for buyouts exactly ?