Dec 29, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek (26) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Islanders defeated the Wild 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Vanek to Boston?
With all the chatter surrounding the Boston Bruins‘ hunt for a defenseman, recent reports have stated that the B’s are making a strong effort to secure New York Islanders‘ winger Thomas Vanek.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period specifically announced that both the Anaheim Ducks and Bruins, among other NHL sides, are ‘aggressively pursuing’ the 30-year-old Austrian.
Also, on Twitter, Pagnotta strongly hinted a possible Vanek movement to Beantown.
As much as the Ducks are in on Vanek, told by multiple people today the Bruins are, as well.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 4, 2014
Stephane Robidas has been traded to Ducks. Andrew MacDonald made his move to the Philadelphia Flyers. Chris Phillips is still on the deadline table.
The Bruins’ most meaningful trade would be for any decent defender capable of enforcing lineup depth. Why would they be even venturing out to go for Vanek then?
The Islanders are looking to offload Vanek as soon as possible due to the fact that they are well out of the playoff race. A young player or draft prospect is obviously the compensation the Isles desire.
The Bruins may be able to provided them what they wish, and Vanek is a very accomplished player. Perhaps, the B’s could afford him given his age. CapGeek.com displays Vanek’s salary value at $6.4 dollars, while his cap hit about $1 million higher. Chiarelli should be able to agree on a proper salary value based on the team’s expectations for a veteran, though.
Vanek was, at one point, a superstar and Bruins’ killer. His size and skill, noticeably his shooting and redirecting ability, are characteristics that label him as a top-tier player at this year’s deadline.
A Bruins killer?
Vanek has a goal and four assists in four games against the B’s this season. Last year, he scored four goals with three assists in four games against the Bruins.
Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli have always been wary of the former Buffalo Sabres star. Based on the insight from Buffalo News’ John Vogl, the Bruins were actually thinking about including Tyler Seguin in a deal for Vanek in 2013.
However, multiple other teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings namely, have higher aims of acquiring the Islanders’ man before the 2014 deadline ends. It seems unlikely that the Bruins could or would outduel these two squads.
The Bruins must add a lefty defensemen to lessen the burden of Dennis Seidenberg‘s absence.