The General Manager Corner: Free Agent Forwards
May 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Thomas Vanek (20) looks for a rebound in front of Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas Vanek
Easily the most polarizing free agent this summer and has been written about plenty (Wild Searching for Scoring Help and The Curious Case of Thomas Vanek). On one hand you have an uber-talented winger, capable of putting up huge point totals. He was nearly a point a game player this year despite playing for three different teams and with the looming shadow of free agency over his head. He looked downright scary on a line with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo with the Islanders before being shipped off to Montreal where he was steady down the stretch.
On the other hand you have the questions about his desire and ability to raise his game when it matters most. A dreadful Eastern Conference Finals cemented the image in many people’s minds of a lazy, selfish, “loser” who shouldn’t receive a long-term commitment from any sane team. He reportedly turned down a massive offer from the Islanders mid-season and the pundits can’t contain themselves now just shoving it in his face.
The truth is his play is probably somewhere in between the two extremes. He’s only 30-years old, so he still has some prime years left. Plus his game is centered more around his shiftiness and offensive awareness than speed, so even as his legs go he should still be an effective player. The rumors have been swirling for months that Vanek longs for Minnesota, but the feeling may not be mutual. Would he be willing to take a short-term deal with the Wild and forego a massive payday?
The General Manager Prediction: at the trade deadline there were rumors of the Anaheim Ducks having interest in Vanek. The Ducks made a huge splash by acquiring Ryan Kesler from the Canucks. However, the team could use some more punch on the second line and has the cap space to add Vanek. Vanek won’t get the seven years, $50 million the Islanders reportedly offered, but he’ll get more than the Wild are interested in committing. Ultimately I think Vanek gets $30 million for five years.
Darkhorse team: Is it really a darkhorse to go with the Wild? There’s just too much smoke here to not think it’s a serious consideration.