At age 34, winger Thomas Vanek has been with eight different teams over the course of his 17 year career. Could he be a fit with the New York Rangers?
In 965 career NHL games, Thomas Vanek has a whopping 357 goals and 396 assists for a total of 753 points. This past season, Vanek was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline to help the Jackets add some scoring pop. While injuries have derailed him in seasons past, he showed no signs of slowing down during the 2017-2018 campaign.
In 80 games, he posted 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points. However, Vanek may very well be playing for his ninth team this coming season since his contract recently expired. While the New York Rangers are rebuilding, they should at least take a look at adding a solid veteran presence in the lineup like Thomas Vanek.
Why it makes sense
The Rangers have plenty of cap space to play with and holes to fill this offseason. General Manager Jeff Gorton isn’t about to send out a lineup filled with rookies to get decimated every night. That’s not good for team morale, or player development. Signing productive veterans like Vanek to cheap, short-term deals gives them leadership on a young team, solid production, and at little to no risk.
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The problem is, will he come cheap and will he want to play in New York? Based on his last contract with the Canucks at one-year, $2 million, the answer would be yes. But, don’t be surprised if a contending team adds Vanek for insurance. A contending team may be more appealing to Vanek over a Rangers team that likely isn’t anywhere near contention.
You can slot Vanek anywhere in the lineup and expect his line to generate chances. He more often starts in the offensive zone, and has 64.1% of the time over the last three seasons. He never played with much elite talent, but when he did, he stuffed the score-sheet.
In October of 2013, the New York Islanders traded for Vanek and put him on a line with Kyle Okposo and franchise center John Tavares. While the Islanders had a poor season, that line dominated. In 47 games with them, he was nearly a point-per-game player. He scored 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points after being traded by the Sabres.
He’s a potent right-handed shot who could add to the Rangers’ often inconsistent power-play. Vanek has 106 career power-play goals, and even scored 20 power play goals in one season back in 2008-2009.
Keep it short
Vanek is consistent and expandable. His play has leveled off a bit the last few years, but he has the pedigree. At the right price, he could be a bargain and an essential piece for first-year head coach David Quinn to rely on.
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Anything over a one-year contract would be a mistake, but for one season, Vanek could help the rookies learn the ropes on a roster that will be one of the youngest in the NHL. And at the very least, if the Rangers are out of the race by the deadline, they’ll be able to flip him for an asset or two.