Quite a bit different scenario there but feel free to try and convince any of these Wild fans of that. Glad to see he will be an Islander for life.
- AvsFanYeaa

Call me crazy but I dont feel the need to convince Wild fans of anything? Why do you guys care so much if Vanek resigns with us or goes to Minnesota. I think fans of other teams are more stressed about this than us? The only person who knows is Vanek not you facking yahoos

Well...now that we've heard from an inside source....
- keaner17

Exactly. I love how these Buffalo fans are overly concerned about where Vanek is going to sign? Ill tell you one place he wont be signing and thats Buffalo

Vanek's wife is from Minnesota... he's a HUGE family guy first and foremost (it means more to him than even the money will... because he's going to get plenty of it regardless of where he signs). His former neighbor and best friend from the Sabres (Pominville) was traded to the Wild and has thrived there... you don't think close friends like that talk on a regular basis? They have Heatley coming off the books at season's end and the cap is going up, so money will not be a problem. The Wild may need a better coach, but the Isles could have a new coach next year too. That can happen almost anywhere. I'm not saying that Vanek will definitely sign with Minnesota, but what I'm saying is that you're ignoring all the key indicators. The best thing the Islanders have going for them (and I said this as I was predicting a trade to Islanders all summer long)... is that they have JT and he is why it made sense for them to acquire Vanek in the first place. The part the Islanders are screwing up with... they haven't done more to improve the team since acquiring HDTV (that was our nickname for him, BTW). The Islanders should acquire more to create a team that he can envision winning the Cup... they should trade for Ryan Miller, too! I'm being serious about this... Vanek's frustration in Buffalo is that Regier was always too passive and conservative and missed out on opportunities at the right time to make that big move to put them over the top (when they were actually good). Now Garth Snow is doing the same mistake... probably because he's afraid of being left at the alter with nothing to show for it. Vanek more likely to stay in NY with the Isles, if Snow shows he won't stop working towards building a winner... not by saying "We got you, that should be enough... and we'll wait on our prospects, just in case it isn't". If Vanek had 3 more years on his deal, you can do that (Regier did) because he can't leave... but now he can. The other benefit is, Miller is enough to put this team into the playoffs and they can make a run like last year... but with Miller and Vanek they'd actually win a round or two...maybe 3! What the heck is he waiting on? If not Miller, then go get someone else... Byfuglien or whomever you need. Carpe Diem, Mr Snow!
- djc1877

People are waaaaayy overplaying the whole 'go home to MN' thing...It definitely gives them a leg up on an even up competition but there are too many factors at play to just assume he'll be there because wifey wants to go home.

There's a laundry list of Long Islanders who haven't come home to play despite being UFA's. Is it a forgone conclussion that Bobby Ryan will be a Flyer since he loves the team and is from the area?

None of what's mentioned as reasons why Vanek might have interest in MN is news to anyone here. We've heard all about it since the trade was made. I've also heard Vanek say they haven't even considered where they want to go yet and it's all 'business' and he can definitely see himself on Long Island next year.

Ultimately, I think if he's unsigned by the deadline, he's gone. But folks acting like they've solved this riddle based on same factors are oversimplifying the whole situation.

Call me crazy but I dont feel the need to convince Wild fans of anything? Why do you guys care so much if Vanek resigns with us or goes to Minnesota. I think fans of other teams are more stressed about this than us? The only person who knows is Vanek not you facking yahoos
- Cptmjl

I'd say it's just as possible he ends up somewhere semi-close to MN like say Detroit. I would have preferred he had one more year on his contract so his family would grow deeper roots. We need to find where his kids go to school and pay the kids in the class to make them the happiest little buggers on earth

People are waaaaayy overplaying the whole 'go home to MN' thing...It definitely gives them a leg up on an even up competition but there are too many factors at play to just assume he'll be there because wifey wants to go home.

There's a laundry list of Long Islanders who haven't come home to play despite being UFA's. Is it a forgone conclussion that Bobby Ryan will be a Flyer since he loves the team and is from the area?

None of what's mentioned as reasons why Vanek might have interest in MN is news to anyone here. We've heard all about it since the trade was made. I've also heard Vanek say they haven't even considered where they want to go yet and it's all 'business' and he can definitely see himself on Long Island next year.

Ultimately, I think if he's unsigned by the deadline, he's gone. But folks acting like they've solved this riddle based on same factors are oversimplifying the whole situation.
- keaner17

Im still scratching my head over why this guy spent that much time writing a post on another teams thread.

I strongly think that Vanek will resign with Islanders for five years.
5 years for 38.5 million. I think that will do it. Vanek stated that he likes it here in Long Island and he is amazed how close it is to NYC. He and his family always could live in Minnesota during the summer. There is nothing exciting in Minnesota besides the cold weather and snow. Heh

I'd say it's just as possible he ends up somewhere semi-close to MN like say Detroit. I would have preferred he had one more year on his contract so his family would grow deeper roots. We need to find where his kids go to school and pay the kids in the class to make them the happiest little buggers on earth
- keaner17

The easy answer is Minnesota bcs thats where his wife is from and his male crush plays there now. Always exoect the easy answer to be portrayed as fact on hockeybuzz. If he signs somewhere else fine we trade him for whatever we can get by the deadline. Everyone move along now... Nothing to see here.

how long is JTs current contract? he signed it not too long ago right? 5.5 for him is without a doubt the NHL's best contract. within a year or two, it honestly will be unfathomable how good a deal that is. he's worth nearly double.

Im still scratching my head over why this guy spent that much time writing a post on another teams thread.
- Cptmjl

And all it did was restate everything everyone and Moulson's dog already knew!

how long is JTs current contract? he signed it not too long ago right? 5.5 for him is without a doubt the NHL's best contract. within a year or two, it honestly will be unfathomable how good a deal that is. he's worth nearly double.
- stayinthefnnet

6 year contract

The easy answer is Minnesota bcs thats where his wife is from and his male crush plays there now. Always exoect the easy answer to be portrayed as fact on hockeybuzz. If he signs somewhere else fine we trade him for whatever we can get by the deadline. Everyone move along now... Nothing to see here.
- Cptmjl

The funny thing will be that if he does sign in MN we'll get flooded with folks coming here to tell us "I told you so" as if we didn't acknowledge it as a possibility.

how long is JTs current contract? he signed it not too long ago right? 5.5 for him is without a doubt the NHL's best contract. within a year or two, it honestly will be unfathomable how good a deal that is. he's worth nearly double.
- stayinthefnnet

One thing Snow is good at. Getting players signed to reasonable contracts. Jts pay day is his next one.

The funny thing will be that if he does sign in MN we'll get flooded with folks coming here to tell us "I told you so" as if we didn't acknowledge it as a possibility.
- keaner17

Yep. Whatever makes them feel better. Not losing sleep over it. Thats why I find this outcry from other fans hysterical.

Call me crazy but I dont feel the need to convince Wild fans of anything? Why do you guys care so much if Vanek resigns with us or goes to Minnesota. I think fans of other teams are more stressed about this than us? The only person who knows is Vanek not you facking yahoos
- Cptmjl

Ill call you personally crazy all day not seeing the point of a discussion. I care because I am not only a fan of my team but of hockey in general and seeing the Wild are in my teams division and any 1 move could put them right in the mix and knock my team out of a playoff spot, of course I am interested in their moves. As far as stress...no stress here until the Avs start making a big move or 2 seeing as how that is definitely coming here soon. If I were an Islander fan however I would certainly be worried that the high price paid for Vanek doesn't just turn into dust in front of them.

I wouldn't expect a major decline from Vanek until 36 or so...even at that, his style of play is less succeptable to aging than say a speedster like Grabs or physical guy like Kane. A 7 year contract would be fine.
- keaner17

Look at Heatley. He's never been reliant on physical play or his wheels. He's painfull to watch anymore. I'd pass if I'm the isles. Trade him for a 1st round pick and a prospect this year. Then use that 1st round pick, along with some other assets, to try and get in on Evander Kane or Blake Wheeler. I just can't see signing a 30 year old to a 7 year contract as good business. If I'm Vanek's agent I'm trying to get as close as possible to Corey Perry's deal. 8M+ for a 30 year old winger over 7 years. Yikes.

Ill call you personally crazy all day not seeing the point of a discussion. I care because I am not only a fan of my team but of hockey in general and seeing the Wild are in my teams division and any 1 move could put them right in the mix and knock my team out of a playoff spot, of course I am interested in their moves. As far as stress...no stress here until the Avs start making a big move or 2 seeing as how that is definitely coming here soon. If I were an Islander fan however I would certainly be worried that the high price paid for Vanek doesn't just turn into dust in front of them.
- AvsFanYeaa

But you're not so I guess it doesnt matter.

Ill call you personally crazy all day not seeing the point of a discussion. I care because I am not only a fan of my team but of hockey in general and seeing the Wild are in my teams division and any 1 move could put them right in the mix and knock my team out of a playoff spot, of course I am interested in their moves. As far as stress...no stress here until the Avs start making a big move or 2 seeing as how that is definitely coming here soon. If I were an Islander fan however I would certainly be worried that the high price paid for Vanek doesn't just turn into dust in front of them.
- AvsFanYeaa

The High price? We paid a lot for that player however it won't be a major setback for the organization as a whole if he bolts. We dealt a pending UFA and two picks. While this may seem major for some teams, we're pretty loaded with prospects already, plenty of which are wingers. We took a gamble...if it doesn't work out so be it. We all knew the moment the trade was done, this was a risk. but the team's future certainly won't live or die by it.

Look at Heatley. He's never been reliant on physical play or his wheels. He's painfull to watch anymore. I'd pass if I'm the isles. Trade him for a 1st round pick and a prospect this year. Then use that 1st round pick, along with some other assets, to try and get in on Evander Kane or Blake Wheeler. I just can't see signing a 30 year old to a 7 year contract as good business. If I'm Vanek's agent I'm trying to get as close as possible to Corey Perry's deal. 8M+ for a 30 year old winger over 7 years. Yikes.
- LeaderofthePAEK

I'm pretty confident that Garth will manage the contact figures well. Heatley's biggest issues are between the ears. Vanek is a constant threat and great compliment to JT, as is apparent by the fact that their line has been top two in the league for the last 15 games. I'm not concerned with a drop off because most of Vanek's game is not predicated on speed or physicality but rather intelligence and opportunistic play. Another thing, 36-37 is not the same as it was 15 years ago. There are plenty of guys who reach that age in the league and still perform quite well. Hell, Jagr's like 41. I'm plenty willing to pay Vanek about $7 mil over 7 years if it means the last year might not be as good as the first. It's not like he'll be a slug.

In regards to Kane, his name gets tossed around year after year yet he's still with the same team. I'm not so sure he's available. Ultimately, if Vanek bolts, they'll offer money to a UFA or allow Nelson, Kabanov or another prospect take over.

Exactly. I love how these Buffalo fans are overly concerned about where Vanek is going to sign? Ill tell you one place he wont be signing and thats Buffalo
- Cptmjl

Get out now while you can

One thing Snow is good at. Getting players signed to reasonable contracts. Jts pay day is his next one.
- Cptmjl

im sure it will be. but still. hell be what? 27ish then? i understand thats more than enough years left to make tons of it, but still. this guy is right now a top 5 guy in the league by any measure, and is only improving with each year. absolutely scary that you guys are getting him for the next 6 years for a price similar to a guy like matt (frank)ing carle or dennis wideman

But you're not so I guess it doesnt matter.
- Cptmjl

Thankfully No.

I'm pretty confident that Garth will manage the contact figures well. Heatley's biggest issues are between the ears. Vanek is a constant threat and great compliment to JT, as is apparent by the fact that their line has been top two in the league for the last 15 games. I'm not concerned with a drop off because most of Vanek's game is not predicated on speed or physicality but rather intelligence and opportunistic play. Another thing, 36-37 is not the same as it was 15 years ago. There are plenty of guys who reach that age in the league and still perform quite well. Hell, Jagr's like 41. I'm plenty willing to pay Vanek about $7 mil over 7 years if it means the last year might not be as good as the first. It's not like he'll be a slug.

In regards to Kane, his name gets tossed around year after year yet he's still with the same team. I'm not so sure he's available. Ultimately, if Vanek bolts, they'll offer money to a UFA or allow Nelson, Kabanov or another prospect take over.
- keaner17

I respectfully disagree. Even at 7 per i would pass. I don't really care though. The isles are a divisional rival so it's no matter to me. Just trying to pass the work day.

I respectfully disagree. Even at 7 per i would pass. I don't really care though. The isles are a divisional rival so it's no matter to me. Just trying to pass the work day.
- LeaderofthePAEK

even putting vaneks point totals aside and what he may or may not bring to the team from an on-ice perspective, one thing that he will bring by signing a major deal with the islanders is making that legitimate again.

They drafted JT so he didnt have much of a choice from that standpoint but he resigned and showed the league that the islanders have a top 5 talent on their team, that needs to translate to a signing of a top talent who has the ability to sign for any team (pending UFA), if vanek signs a deal the isles become relevant again.

Thankfully No.
- AvsFanYeaa

Agreed.

even putting vaneks point totals aside and what he may or may not bring to the team from an on-ice perspective, one thing that he will bring by signing a major deal with the islanders is making that legitimate again.

They drafted JT so he didnt have much of a choice from that standpoint but he resigned and showed the league that the islanders have a top 5 talent on their team, that needs to translate to a signing of a top talent who has the ability to sign for any team (pending UFA), if vanek signs a deal the isles become relevant again.
- LetsGoIsles

Until they become irrelevant shortly after