This is why it wouldn't surprise me if Vanek signs for a much lower number than most are expecting. I can't believe he or his agent thought he'd get a better deal than what the Islanders offered. It makes me believe it's not about the money for him.

This is a longshot, but if Vanek signs a short-term deal with a pretty good team and puts up very good numbers, it may put him in a decent bargaining position again. But I think he'd have to do something like a two-year deal for that scenario to have a chance to play out.
- Chinaski

If it's not about the money, what is it about....winning? Can't be that either because he has done nothing to help Mtl beat the Rangers.
Hooooomeward Bound

Oh boy. We're going to sign him for 7 million, aren't we.

Oh boy. We're going to sign him for 7 million, aren't we.
- willschulme

Might as well

This is why it wouldn't surprise me if Vanek signs for a much lower number than most are expecting. I can't believe he or his agent thought he'd get a better deal than what the Islanders offered. It makes me believe it's not about the money for him.

This is a longshot, but if Vanek signs a short-term deal with a pretty good team and puts up very good numbers, it may put him in a decent bargaining position again. But I think he'd have to do something like a two-year deal for that scenario to have a chance to play out.
- Chinaski

All great points, but after watching a mediocre at best performance in the Olympics and now in the post season, not sure he'll have much of a choice but to sign a shorter term deal. I'm guessing he'll still get paid, but as you alluded to, probably a 2 year maybe 3 year deal max.

Then again I'm sure theres still some Garth Snow offer out there waiting for him.

I think Scandella deserves a shot at the top pairing. I was so impressed with his play this season, the playoffs particularly.
Suter/Scand
Brodin/Folin
Spurgeon/Ballard

Spurg held his own vs Chicago, but I thought he was borderline awful on d against Col. Sorry, but a midget has no right being a top pairing dman
Also, I'm excited to see how Dumba responds after his struggles with the Wild but then dominated with Portland. Unbelievable shot from the point and hits like a mofo.
- SotaPopinski

Agree with this. Walz has been raving about Scandy since the playoffs ended. If he does continue his elevated play next season, he's gonna get himself paid big.

Agree with this. Walz has been raving about Scandy since the playoffs ended. If he does continue his elevated play next season, he's gonna get himself paid big.
- MnGump

I would rather see Fletch lock up Scandella as opposed to getting in a bidding war for a Niskanen, Orpik, etc

If it's not about the money, what is it about....winning? Can't be that either because he has done nothing to help Mtl beat the Rangers.
Hooooomeward Bound
- SotaPopinski

I don't know. I'd think it has something to do with just being able to evaluate all the possible situations and make a choice. I've heard people like Russo describe some of these guys' mindsets when it comes to unrestricted free agency. Maybe they just want that freedom of choice and are willing to forego more money to get there. Vanek isn't hurting either. North of $50 million in career earnings for a 29 year old. He's got the luxury of refusing another $50 million just to see what else might be out there.

However, he is likely limiting those choices with his play.

From The Globe and Mail - NHL Notebook. Duhatschek agrees - Vanek not a sensible move for the Wild.

Great Blog!!!

Vanek should have taken the Isles offer!!!

He will regret it now.

He might get his chance to play in Minny... but @ a lower amount over a shorter term.

Yes he is a streaky player... but when he is on his game, he is pretty damn good.

I'm not sure what will happen to him this offseason.

I would still like him on the Island... but I would make the term a 5 year term now.

Isles have to spend around 6 million to get to the cap floor anyway after signing a goalie and their RFA's.

Vanek...Tavares....Okposo.... were great together!!!

Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: The Reality is Vanek to Minnesota Wild if and Only if.....
- Tony Dean

in a must-win game 2 for the canadiens vs. the rangers, in an eastern conference final, vanek gets only 11:41 of ice time. 1:42 of that on the p.p. only 4th liners dale weise and brandon prust had less ice time. enough said!

Mtl would sign Iginla or Vrbata for sort terms berfore Vanek for 7-8 years.
- soad_live

Wants a cup, he'll return to the west

in a must-win game 2 for the canadiens vs. the rangers, in an eastern conference final, vanek gets only 11:41 of ice time. 1:42 of that on the p.p. only 4th liners dale weise and brandon prust had less ice time. enough said!
- rob121

Yep.

no chance Vanek leaves $20 million + on the table to sign in Minnesota. nice team, i get his family is from there, but there's just no way.
- DoubleDown

20? you think he is gonna command at least 8.5 per year?

in a must-win game 2 for the canadiens vs. the rangers, in an eastern conference final, vanek gets only 11:41 of ice time. 1:42 of that on the p.p. only 4th liners dale weise and brandon prust had less ice time. enough said!
- rob121

I haven't had a chance to watch this series real close, or any other Montreal has been in, so I'm just asking people's opinion of what they see, but is there any talk of Therrien being a bad match for Vanek? Therrien is the type of coach that demands guys play a 200 foot game and Vanek has never really been that kind of player. Are there Habs fans wondering if Therrien is asking Vanek to be something that he is not and that is part of the problem?

I haven't had a chance to watch this series real close, or any other Montreal has been in, so I'm just asking people's opinion of what they see, but is there any talk of Therrien being a bad match for Vanek? Therrien is the type of coach that demands guys play a 200 foot game and Vanek has never really been that kind of player. Are there Habs fans wondering if Therrien is asking Vanek to be something that he is not and that is part of the problem?
- Chinaski

I think Montreal would just be happy for him to play a 100 foot game right now and score a goal or two.

Vanek is a loser...he'll never get the Islanders offer of $7 million...as Milbury said last night best thing that happened to the Islanders is that he didn't take their deal...lazy...not that good...Moulson is better option for the money...
- kear20

No hes not.

in a must-win game 2 for the canadiens vs. the rangers, in an eastern conference final, vanek gets only 11:41 of ice time. 1:42 of that on the p.p. only 4th liners dale weise and brandon prust had less ice time. enough said!
- rob121

The same coach that gave vanek so little ice time is the same one that had subban benched duringthe season inexplicably. Putting a fairly elite scorer on your fourth line and complaining about the results is a little ridiculous. Therien is trying to send a message. I get it. While hes sending that message hes deterring your team from scoring. Ive watched vanek play quite a bit. No hes not Bergeron but he also has eight points in 13 playoff games with you guys with limited ice time and pp time. Therien should probably be looking for an answer to the rangers defense rather than looking for a scape goat IMO.

The same coach that gave vanek so little ice time is the same one that had subban benched duringthe season inexplicably. Putting a fairly elite scorer on your fourth line and complaining about the results is a little ridiculous. Therien is trying to send a message. I get it. While hes sending that message hes deterring your team from scoring. Ive watched vanek play quite a bit. No hes not Bergeron but he also has eight points in 13 playoff games with you guys with limited ice time and pp time. Therien should probably be looking for an answer to the rangers defense rather than looking for a scape goat IMO.
- Cptmjl

Vanek isn't scoring but he is also responsible for goals against. If a player isn't producing and fails to work to prevent goals against, why play him?

Vanek isn't scoring but he is also responsible for goals against. If a player isn't producing and fails to work to prevent goals against, why play him?
- Pea-Brain

Then don't. Put him on the fourth line but then don't b!tch when he doesn't score. He's not a fourth line player. Besides I've watched just about every Montreal playoff game and every one against the Rangers and I didn't see one Ranger goal he was responsible for besides a bad penalty he took which I believe lead to a goal. If that's your reason for benching or putting a first line player on the 4th line don't be surprised with the results. Montreal is grasping at straws IMO. Vanek hasn't been lighting the world on fire but NOBODY on that team can solve Lundqvist so far or the Rangers defense. Benching or moving him to the fourth line to me is removing one of your best if not best scoring threat all together. For a team that can't score right now not the smartest move IMO. I for one have not seen anything that is deserved of that from Vanek. I'm unbiased. Could honestly care less either way.

Then don't. Put him on the fourth line but then don't b!tch when he doesn't score. He's not a fourth line player. Besides I've watched just about every Montreal playoff game and every one against the Rangers and I didn't see one Ranger goal he was responsible for besides a bad penalty he took which I believe lead to a goal. If that's your reason for benching or putting a first line player on the 4th line don't be surprised with the results. Montreal is grasping at straws IMO. Vanek hasn't been lighting the world on fire but NOBODY on that team can solve Lundqvist so far or the Rangers defense. Benching or moving him to the fourth line to me is removing one of your best if not best scoring threat all together. For a team that can't score right now not the smartest move IMO. I for one have not seen anything that is deserved of that from Vanek. I'm unbiased. Could honestly care less either way.
- Cptmjl

1st goal last game, he left McDonagh all alone, he was floating in the Habs zone, never covered his D.

He will play, they just want him to give an effort on both side.

1st goal last game, he left McDonagh all alone, he was floating in the Habs zone, never covered his D.

He will play, they just want him to give an effort on both side.
- Pea-Brain

The pass to McDonagh is what caused that and that was a missed assignment from someone else, don't remember who? Like i said. If Therien and Habs fans wants to blame Vanek for his(their) teams lack of success against the Rags go right ahead but I think it's probably the worst approach to take for a team having problems scoring. You didn't pick Vanek up at the deadline for his defensive prowess. I'd think it was to score? Cutting his ice time and moving him to the fourth line will not help your cause. You did lose 3-1 right?

Just read a piece in The Globe and Mail from James Mirtle -
Mirtle - McDonagh/Gomez

This quote jumped out to me as it is something I think we need to keep in mind when assessing potential UFA signings and trades.

But this deal more than most is illustrative of how damaging valuing the short term over the long can be in a league where youth and speed is quickly becoming everything.
- James Mirtle

And this is probably pretty accurate when it comes to why I am nervous about the Wild pursuing Vanek.

Just read a piece in The Globe and Mail from James Mirtle -
Mirtle - McDonagh/Gomez

This quote jumped out to me as it is something I think we need to keep in mind when assessing potential UFA signings and trades.



And this is probably pretty accurate when it comes to why I am nervous about the Wild pursuing Vanek.
- Chinaski

Adding Vanek for either $5MIL or $6MIL a year for 4 or 5 years is not a threat to FUTURE of MNWild but anything more than that money or term GMCF should close the door on it and not look back.

Beyond the $22MIL in cap space this year the contracts of Brodziak, Backstrom, and Cooke all provide options to clear wiggle room. Also Bridge Deals and such make it completely reasonable to navigate this situation.

After a dismal playoffs for Pominville I think not getting Vanek here makes me feel a certain way about his new deal despite him being the Wild's leading goal scorer during the regular season. I have always considered them tied to each other and if Vanek doesnt end up here this summer I think it is fair to be more critical of Pominville going forward.

Listen Vanek is not a complete player we get that, I am saying this is a player that puts the Wild closer to the cup with a strong want to be apart of the organization and coming home to play hockey. If GMCF signs off on it so should the rest of us because NOBODY understands better what the future will hold for the Wild 3-5 years down the road than him.

I would argue Vanek's current playoff disappearance is playing right into GMCF's hands because it has created the questions and doubts to make a more reasonable contract situation into play. I have no doubt if Vanek wants to be here, that Parise/Koivu/Suter/Pominville will all be in his ear about how this teams works end to end night after night for each other.

The REALITY is with so many young forwards in contract years at the same time and so few spots in the Top6 and Top9 someone is getting moved out. The general assumption has been Zucker is the guy to go but stay tuned!

Adding Vanek for either $5MIL or $6MIL a year for 4 or 5 years is not a threat to FUTURE of MNWild but anything more than that money or term GMCF should close the door on it and not look back.
- Tony Dean

The point is that Vanek could be more quickly rendered ineffective as a scoring winger the way this League is going. The game has gotten really fast and if you can't keep up, whatever it is you used to bring to the table may not be there anymore.

Listen Vanek is not a complete player we get that, I am saying this is a player that puts the Wild closer to the cup with a strong want to be apart of the organization and coming home to play hockey.
- Tony Dean

But you're making an assumption that Vanek is going to score a lot of goals here based on his past performance. I'm not willing to concede that point - I just can't automatically assume that Vanek will be a 30-40 goal guy here. It's certainly possible, but there are no guarantees. And if the Wild sign this guy and he doesn't score at least 30+ each year, he's not going to be worth it.
This is where I thought Ray Ferraro had a real interesting take when he was on with Russo. He talked about Vanek being a guy that doesn't play with tempo and he sees the Wild as a team that does play with tempo. So signing Vanek may end up being a bad fit.

I would argue Vanek's current playoff disappearance is playing right into GMCF's hands because it has created the questions and doubts to make a more reasonable contract situation into play. I have no doubt if Vanek wants to be here, that Parise/Koivu/Suter/Pominville will all be in his ear about how this teams works end to end night after night for each other.
- Tony Dean

You said it above, Vanek is not a complete player. Never really was. Asking him to be something he is not could just make it worse. Louie got Scotty Bowman to come on Barrreiro's show recently and Scotty said an interesting thing about this very point - I think he was recalling something someone had told him about players - but it was something along the lines of if you take a 30 goal scorer and try to make him play defense, he'll only score 20 goals. If there is any truth to that, I'd hate to see the Wild sign Vanek just to try to change his game. We can get better two-way guys to score 20 goals for much cheaper than Vanek is going to cost.

The REALITY is with so many young forwards in contract years at the same time and so few spots in the Top6 and Top9 someone is getting moved out. The general assumption has been Zucker is the guy to go but stay tuned!
- Tony Dean

And this is the other concern I have about Vanek - he is going to suck up a roster spot that in the long run may be smarter to give to someone else. Zucker has great wheels, has a very good shot, and he is a competitive player. He may need to work on protecting himself better and his positioning away from the puck, but this kid has a lot of attributes that look to be more favorable for the Wild the way the League is going. You trade that away and basically replace it with a guy who is more than likely starting the downside of his career and in a few years it could be a regrettable move. That was basically the whole point of Mirtle's article - don't let the past statistics of a once promising player cloud your judgement about what is the smartest move for your organization. You may have to sacrifice a bit of short-term success but it will pay huge dividends in the long run.

The point is that Vanek could be more quickly rendered ineffective as a scoring winger the way this League is going. The game has gotten really fast and if you can't keep up, whatever it is you used to bring to the table may not be there anymore.


But you're making an assumption that Vanek is going to score a lot of goals here based on his past performance. I'm not willing to concede that point - I just can't automatically assume that Vanek will be a 30-40 goal guy here. It's certainly possible, but there are no guarantees. And if the Wild sign this guy and he doesn't score at least 30+ each year, he's not going to be worth it.
This is where I thought Ray Ferraro had a real interesting take when he was on with Russo. He talked about Vanek being a guy that doesn't play with tempo and he sees the Wild as a team that does play with tempo. So signing Vanek may end up being a bad fit.


You said it above, Vanek is not a complete player. Never really was. Asking him to be something he is not could just make it worse. Louie got Scotty Bowman to come on Barrreiro's show recently and Scotty said an interesting thing about this very point - I think he was recalling something someone had told him about players - but it was something along the lines of if you take a 30 goal scorer and try to make him play defense, he'll only score 20 goals. If there is any truth to that, I'd hate to see the Wild sign Vanek just to try to change his game. We can get better two-way guys to score 20 goals for much cheaper than Vanek is going to cost.


And this is the other concern I have about Vanek - he is going to suck up a roster spot that in the long run may be smarter to give to someone else. Zucker has great wheels, has a very good shot, and he is a competitive player. He may need to work on protecting himself better and his positioning away from the puck, but this kid has a lot of attributes that look to be more favorable for the Wild the way the League is going. You trade that away and basically replace it with a guy who is more than likely starting the downside of his career and in a few years it could be a regrettable move. That was basically the whole point of Mirtle's article - don't let the past statistics of a once promising player cloud your judgement about what is the smartest move for your organization. You may have to sacrifice a bit of short-term success but it will pay huge dividends in the long run.
- Chinaski

All valid points on Vanek.

Fletcher and his scouting department will have to navigate this understanding its an imperfect situation for all of the reasons listed by all of the hockey people that have been critical of Vanek.

I think the same can be said for the though process surrounding the young forwards though as well. I am not completely convinced ANY of Granlund, Coyle, Nino, Haula, Fontaine, Zucker, or Lucia all of which I believe to be Top6 or fringe types and Top9 forward potentials are a lock to be a 30-Goal scorer ever and certainly NONE of those guys are pure goal scorers or sniper type skill sets.

I also think Pomiville while a very good player, his acquisition in my mind and subsequent re-signing was more favorable with the ideology being Vanek would be returning to MN.

Honestly though I think all the criticism, negativity, and DOUBT about what the future holds for Vanek plays right into Fletcher's hands because it wasnt unreasonable to believe Vanek before the last 3 months of play was going to be a max contract type of Unrestricted Free Agent and now I think taking a Wild friendly deal to return to MN be apart of this group is closer to reality than it ever was before!