I think if Vanek hits UFA on July 1 or 5 or whenever it is now, he is gone. There will be too many good offers from contenders out there for him to say no to. I think the isles make him their best offer, 8 years, however much money it is, put it on the table now, and let Vanek think about it a couple of weeks. If he doesn't sign, you move him to the highest bidder and tell Vanek "no hard feelings" and that the same deal will be on the table in July. This way, you don't alienate him, yet you get something back for him in the event he doesn't re-sign before the deadline. I'm sure Snow and Co. Already know this.

I think if Vanek hits UFA on July 1 or 5 or whenever it is now, he is gone. There will be too many good offers from contenders out there for him to say no to. I think the isles make him their best offer, 8 years, however much money it is, put it on the table now, and let Vanek think about it a couple of weeks. If he doesn't sign, you move him to the highest bidder and tell Vanek "no hard feelings" and that the same deal will be on the table in July. This way, you don't alienate him, yet you get something back for him in the event he doesn't re-sign before the deadline. I'm sure Snow and Co. Already know this.
- Jethro09

I don't even think Wang knows who Vanek is

I think if Vanek hits UFA on July 1 or 5 or whenever it is now, he is gone. There will be too many good offers from contenders out there for him to say no to. I think the isles make him their best offer, 8 years, however much money it is, put it on the table now, and let Vanek think about it a couple of weeks. If he doesn't sign, you move him to the highest bidder and tell Vanek "no hard feelings" and that the same deal will be on the table in July. This way, you don't alienate him, yet you get something back for him in the event he doesn't re-sign before the deadline. I'm sure Snow and Co. Already know this.
- Jethro09

I actually think that is the perfect way to play it. The Islanders should give you a job.

It's a total pipe dream. As well as they have played they can't even get out of the bottom 5 in the league. They haven't been able to get out of the bottom 3 in the east. It's absurd to think they would suddenly catapult past the 6 teams ahead of them with 28 games remaining. Florida is 1 point behind with 2 games in hand, so the Isles may even drop down.
- JimmyP

Would you rather them mail it in or go down fighting? I'd much rather them play like a team that has pride and play like there's light at the end of the tunnel. If they're 3 points out at the break, would you still think it's a pipe dream? Take it one game at a time, and play like you give a shat. That's the way I'd like it to play out.

Would you rather them mail it in or go down fighting? I'd much rather them play like a team that has pride and play like there's light at the end of the tunnel. If they're 3 points out at the break, would you still think it's a pipe dream? Take it one game at a time, and play like you give a shat. That's the way I'd like it to play out.
- Charlie21

This^^^^

It will be a real shame even with a good return on a trade. I cannot see Vanek signing with the Isles if he is traded. The family pressure to return home will be too great.
- ses111

I thought home for him was Austria? It depends. I think the odds are long for Vanek to re-sign after a trade, but you never know. The important thing is that they put the best offer out there now, 8 years, $58+M or whatever, and if Vanek doesn't take it, move him for a solid return. The isles can't force Vanek to take their offer. All they can do is make the best offer he's likely to get and to flip him for the best return possible if Banek chooses to hit UFA, which is his right to do.

I actually think that is the perfect way to play it. The Islanders should give you a job.
- Pete V

I'll take it!

I think if Vanek hits UFA on July 1 or 5 or whenever it is now, he is gone. There will be too many good offers from contenders out there for him to say no to. I think the isles make him their best offer, 8 years, however much money it is, put it on the table now, and let Vanek think about it a couple of weeks. If he doesn't sign, you move him to the highest bidder and tell Vanek "no hard feelings" and that the same deal will be on the table in July. This way, you don't alienate him, yet you get something back for him in the event he doesn't re-sign before the deadline. I'm sure Snow and Co. Already know this.
- Jethro09

I don't think this is true at all. I think it's far more simple. I'd say, if Vanek hits UFA he's Minnesota's for the taking, but if Minnesota doesn't give him his offer (and the Isles don't commit elsewhere), he could very likely be back.
Vanek has made it clear he likes it here, likes mgmt, likes the area, players etc. I think we all know his big dream is to return to Minnesota but no one quite knows for sure if Minnesota wants HIM. When referring to these 'other teams' that are contenders who will make offers, you have to narrow that field based on places he'd like to live and can THEY afford what he's looking for. RIght now, I think Minnesota is choice A, the isles are B and then there's 'other'. I think that field of 'other' teams is far more thin than most realize.

I don't even think Wang knows who Vanek is
- Vukota

I agree. No way Wang knows who Vanek is. I bet he couldn't ID half the guys on the team if he passed them in the concourse.

Would you rather them mail it in or go down fighting? I'd much rather them play like a team that has pride and play like there's light at the end of the tunnel. If they're 3 points out at the break, would you still think it's a pipe dream? Take it one game at a time, and play like you give a shat. That's the way I'd like it to play out.
- Charlie21

Of course I don't want them to mail it in. My point is that if sending these guys down to get more playing time over the break will help them then that's what they should do. The playoffs are out of reach. Do what's best for the up and coming players and the team. Trade Vanek if he doesn't sign. Then trade AMac for anyone stupid enough to give them anything.

Right. They will both be up after the break unless Cappy prefers Martinek & Regin
- Vukota

Well, with Cappy you never know...

welcome back lubo!!!!

Of course I don't want them to mail it in. My point is that if sending these guys down to get more playing time over the break will help them then that's what they should do. The playoffs are out of reach. Do what's best for the up and coming players and the team. Trade Vanek if he doesn't sign. Then trade AMac for anyone stupid enough to give them anything.
- JimmyP

I disagree. 6 points out is certainly attainable if they keep winning at the same rate. Also with A Mac Cark Martinek and Poulin playing a lot less now that VIs Hamonic and and Nabby are back the wins should come easier.

I don't think this is true at all. I think it's far more simple. I'd say, if Vanek hits UFA he's Minnesota's for the taking, but if Minnesota doesn't give him his offer (and the Isles don't commit elsewhere), he could very likely be back.
Vanek has made it clear he likes it here, likes mgmt, likes the area, players etc. I think we all know his big dream is to return to Minnesota but no one quite knows for sure if Minnesota wants HIM. When referring to these 'other teams' that are contenders who will make offers, you have to narrow that field based on places he'd like to live and can THEY afford what he's looking for. RIght now, I think Minnesota is choice A, the isles are B and then there's 'other'. I think that field of 'other' teams is far more thin than most realize.
- keaner17

If a team like Detroit or San Jose or St. Louis or another perennial contender offer Vanek the same 7 year deal For about the same money as the Isles, it's hard to fathom him opting for the isles, although I hope you're right. Vanek has been perfect with JT and KO. Breaking up that line would make me sick.

He is a keeper though
- Vukota

dehaan should not go anywhere he is our best defender since hes been here

If a team like Detroit or San Jose or St. Louis or another perennial contender offer Vanek the same 7 year deal T about the same money as the Islea, it's hard to fath him opting for the isles, although I hope you're right. Vanek has been perfect with JT and KO. Breaking up that line would make me sick.
- Jethro09

San Jose never wins in the playoffs, and Detroit is not even close to being considered a contender anymore.

I don't think this is true at all. I think it's far more simple. I'd say, if Vanek hits UFA he's Minnesota's for the taking, but if Minnesota doesn't give him his offer (and the Isles don't commit elsewhere), he could very likely be back.
Vanek has made it clear he likes it here, likes mgmt, likes the area, players etc. I think we all know his big dream is to return to Minnesota but no one quite knows for sure if Minnesota wants HIM. When referring to these 'other teams' that are contenders who will make offers, you have to narrow that field based on places he'd like to live and can THEY afford what he's looking for. RIght now, I think Minnesota is choice A, the isles are B and then there's 'other'. I think that field of 'other' teams is far more thin than most realize.
- keaner17

Minnesota also has 8 RFA in the next 2 seasons, and 3 after this season. Yes they will lose Heatly's 7.5mill cap but
Nino, Fontaine and Zucker will probably recieve around 6-6.5$mill combined, leaving roughly 13$mill in space for minne who has two resign forwards(one being Vanek) and two defenders, plus 1 more F/D. Its doable for them next season, but the season after with 5 RFA coming, some of them being
Brodin, Scandella, Grandlund, Coyle, unless the cap increases another 10$mill they are going to have issues;

The Isles have a legit chance even if he walks
Parise and Koivu are no where even close to JT

If a team like Detroit or San Jose or St. Louis or another perennial contender offer Vanek the same 7 year deal T about the same money as the Islea, it's hard to fath him opting for the isles, although I hope you're right. Vanek has been perfect with JT and KO. Breaking up that line would make me sick.
- Jethro09

Detriot is fading, don't think he'd go there

Of course I don't want them to mail it in. My point is that if sending these guys down to get more playing time over the break will help them then that's what they should do. The playoffs are out of reach. Do what's best for the up and coming players and the team. Trade Vanek if he doesn't sign. Then trade AMac for anyone stupid enough to give them anything.
- JimmyP

I think they need to put the best team on the ice that's capable of winning hockey games. That team definitely includes DeHaan. He can take a 2 1/2 week nap during the break and come back stronger than before.

Oh, and I agree about Amac.

If a team like Detroit or San Jose or St. Louis or another perennial contender offer Vanek the same 7 year deal T about the same money as the Islea, it's hard to fath him opting for the isles, although I hope you're right. Vanek has been perfect with JT and KO. Breaking up that line would make me sick.
- Jethro09

Vanek's motivations are to find a place his family will enjoy and play with a team capable of challenging..then money. (at least this is how it's seeme thus far).

Detroit is a cess pool to live in...I can't see Vanek opting to move his family there. It's still not close enough to 'home' to make sense for them to opt based on geography.
San Jose is way too far out West and I doubt given the extensions handed out to Thornton and Marleau, they'd consider Vanek.
St. Louis doesn't strike me as the type of team that will hand out that type of money, plus I'm not sure Vanek's family will have interest in that area.

Obviously it's all speculation, but I think we have to take Vanek's comments at face value. He has no reason to BS. He could have just as easily said, well...it's a nice place but I'm not thinking about UFA right now. Instead he stated the talks aren't close enough yet to discuss but he can definitely see himself remaining with the team. All accounts from behind the scenes say he really likes it here and has struck up a decent friendship with a few guys including Okposo and Grabs. we'll see

I think if Vanek hits UFA on July 1 or 5 or whenever it is now, he is gone. There will be too many good offers from contenders out there for him to say no to. I think the isles make him their best offer, 8 years, however much money it is, put it on the table now, and let Vanek think about it a couple of weeks. If he doesn't sign, you move him to the highest bidder and tell Vanek "no hard feelings" and that the same deal will be on the table in July. This way, you don't alienate him, yet you get something back for him in the event he doesn't re-sign before the deadline. I'm sure Snow and Co. Already know this.
- Jethro09

I think if you offer him a 7-8 year contract for somewhere between $8-9M per, he'd have a hard time turning that down, unless he REALLY wanted to be somewhere else. He's only 30 years old, not 36- it's not that much of a risk, plus, he's not expected to be the ONLY decent horse in the barn, which was a role for which Yashin was an epic failure. On JT's wing, he'll put up more than 80 points for every season that he remains healthy, at least until he's 36-37 years old. Once they get to New York City, you've got endorsements on top of that, with the added bonus of the family not really having to deal with the city unless they want to. It's also abundantly clear that as long as this team gets some goaltending, it WILL be a powerhouse two or three years from now- it's not Buffalo, where they are truly starting from scratch.

And if he doesn't sign, then I agree....you turn him into that goaltender, and you try your luck again on July 1st.

I disagree. 6 points out is certainly attainable if they keep winning at the same rate. Also with A Mac Cark Martinek and Poulin playing a lot less now that VIs Hamonic and and Nabby are back the wins should come easier.
- mighty13duck

They've been winning, but they haven't been gaining ANY ground. They will not jump over 6 teams to get in. All of those teams have games in hand and all but one beats the Isles in a tie breaker. They would need to win a lot more to pass anyone, about 3 of every 4 games. It's not happening!

I'll say it again - despite playing well for weeks they are still 26th in the league! Washington has been sliding and they are STILL 4 points ahead with 2 games in hand. That's how hard it is to gain ground. It would be a big accomplishment if the Isles were able to get out of the bottom 10.

I thought home for him was Austria? It depends. I think the odds are long for Vanek to re-sign after a trade, but you never know. The important thing is that they put the best offer out there now, 8 years, $58+M or whatever, and if Vanek doesn't take it, move him for a solid return. The isles can't force Vanek to take their offer. All they can do is make the best offer he's likely to get and to flip him for the best return possible if Banek chooses to hit UFA, which is his right to do.
- Jethro09

The wife is from Minnesota....you know how that one usually works out for you, if she's adamant about it.

San Jose never wins in the playoffs, and Detroit is not even close to being considered a contender anymore.
- mighty13duck

I think you're missing the point. Regardless of the teams I list, we all know there are perennial contenders in this league and the Isles aren't one of them. Some of those perennial contenders may have both cap space and a desire to add Vanek. If Vanek had to choose between (insert the name of your preferred perennial contender here) and the isles for the same years and close to the same $, Vanek is likely to lean towards the contender. That was my point.

Detriot is fading, don't think he'd go there
- Danformo

I generally agree, but in all due fairness to the Red Wings, they beat Anaheim last year in the playoffs, and took the Stanley Cup Champions to Game 7 overtime after being up 3-1 in the series. They have been ravaged by injuries this year, so while they are not the same dominant Red Wings of year's past, I think they will look like way more of a threat at season's end than they do now. Plus, they have some good young, underrated players in that system, like Tatar and Nyquist.

Just saying that I think the predicted demise of the Red Wings may be a little premature.