GARTH'S CORNER: Vanekshing Act

Let Minnesota waste their money. He scored with the Isles but was worthless in all other aspects of the game. When you are getting paid what he gets paid and don't leave it on the ice after every game then you belong playing in Siberia or some beer league. It's just sad that teams still pay through the roof for guys like him.

Vanek will command upwards of $7 million per season on a long term deal when he signs his next contract in July. You may not see the value, however, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher does. The Wild have been waiting patiently for months to get their mitts on Vanek. They will get their man in July.
- Garth

Fletcher won't sign Vanek long-term for those dollars. He may not sign him long-term for any dollars. Short-term deal, they'll be interested. Long-term deal isn't going to work. Fletcher's not a fool.

Didn't read the article, just had to say I love the title. That being said lets go habs!!!

Didn't read the article, just had to say I love the title. That being said lets go habs!!!
- Girouxsalem90

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

40 goal scorer? 5 seasons ago, yes. But as hockey is a what have you done for me lately kind of sport, who cares. He is an opportunistic scorer to be sure but has demonstrated almost no work ethic. Kovalev for all his faults at least worked hard in the offensive zone. Vanek has not these playoffs. No drive. No heart. No second effort - although hard to have a second without a first.

I can't see a lunchpail based team like the Wild wanting a guy unprepared to give full effort when it counts most. Even their high paid offensive guys put their head down and give 100%. Do the Wild really need another floating Dany Heatley to be?

I think Minny will spend more wisely now that they have seen what their young guys can bring to the table. Really wasnt a huge fan of Vanek to MTL when the trade was made, but the Habs gave up little to get a guy who in theory made them a more complete team. Hopefully Minny doesnt cave and give Vanek big bucks after they just got out of a big contract with Heatley

So, people are finally starting to see Tomas Vanek the way I saw him in Buffalo. He disappears for months during the regular season; put up a bunch of points in a two week session and then nothing for a few weeks. Why are people surprised? This has been his MO for years. Let Minnesota break the bank on him.

it's not just games 1 and 2. Vanek was a no-show throughout most of the Boston series as well. scored 3 tap-in PPG and an empty netter in the series, yes, but he was never a catalyst and generated nothing at 5 on 5. didn't do a whole lot against Tampa either. he's 30 years old and arguably, his best days are either behind or will be in a year or two max. the criticism is completely warranted.

Does Minnesota really need to pay him 7 million a year if it is a foregone conclusion that he is going to play there?

If he really wants to go home to Minnesota and play with Pomminville then I would think he would sign at a slight "discount."

I also don't think he is the missing piece to the puzzle for Minnesota and they could spend their money more wisely elsewhere. But then again, I'm not an NHL GM so what do I know.

Doing about as well as Ryan Miller I'd say.

Can anyone say KHL for Vanek? Half heart, and half effort gets you banishment to the KHL. Makes me wonder who is next? Ovie? Malkin? Those guys are coach/GM killers.
Also, to stir the pot, where is PK? PK has offensive talent, but he is listed as a defensive player. He can hit, but he has bad timing when it comes to pinching in. Is he really worth that hype that he gets? Montreal looks tired on the ice. I wonder if they have the ability to push back against the Ranglers. The Ranglers look steady, and have solid goal tending. I can see the Ranglers in 5.
Enjoy the rest of the playoffs.

With Minnesota giving crazy money to Parise/Suter, they should forget another big money contract.

GARTH'S CORNER: Vanekshing Act
- garth

Personally I believe Vanek was in a fog because he was half way across the country on his way to Minnesota.
That being said I really can't see the Wild having a lot of interest considering what he is doing in the playoffs, another Heatley so to speak. Wild have so many young cheaper guys on the rise like Granlund, Neideriter, Haula, etc. I would tend to grow within and let Vanek come crawling back to the Isles.

With Minnesota giving crazy money to Parise/Suter, they should forget another big money contract.
- RogerRoeper

The Parise money and contract is absurd but both of these guys work their tails off and have a ton of pride. If Vanek does sign in Minnesota it will not be a long term deal and for that reason I can see him crawling back accepting the Isles long term 50 million dollar offer.Vanek needs Tavares to do what he does best!

Can anyone say KHL for Vanek? Half heart, and half effort gets you banishment to the KHL. Makes me wonder who is next? Ovie? Malkin? Those guys are coach/GM killers.
Also, to stir the pot, where is PK? PK has offensive talent, but he is listed as a defensive player. He can hit, but he has bad timing when it comes to pinching in. Is he really worth that hype that he gets? Montreal looks tired on the ice. I wonder if they have the ability to push back against the Ranglers. The Ranglers look steady, and have solid goal tending. I can see the Ranglers in 5.
Enjoy the rest of the playoffs.
- OrangeAndBlack1

Vanek will never go to the KHL. Regardless of his track record for vanekishing he also is an elite scorer that many teams will attempt to sign.

He must be nursing an injury or something. No reason for him to be this bad.

GARTH'S CORNER: Vanekshing Act
- garth

Vanek has an elite skill set and can take a beating in front of the net that not many players can. But he is missing the drive and passion and truly great players have. He has had the chance to be a top player in this league, but he instead settles for being good to very good. I'm glad he's off the Sabres, he's not a guy I want around being an example for the young kids.

Vanek has an elite skill set and can take a beating in front of the net that not many players can. But he is missing the drive and passion and truly great players have. He has had the chance to be a top player in this league, but he instead settles for being good to very good. I'm glad he's off the Sabres, he's not a guy I want around being an example for the young kids.
- Phineas

He's barely been in front of the net. I wonder what's wrong with him.

He's barely been in front of the net. I wonder what's wrong with him.
- sippyd

It is called Rebellious Therriitus

He's barely been in front of the net. I wonder what's wrong with him.
- sippyd

To explain it a little further, you just don't have an arrogant Frenchman tell a millionaire Austrian how to play hockey.