When the Vancouver Canucks signed Thomas Vanek late into the offseason, most believed it was a move designed for the trade deadline. Vanek could be given ample opportunity on the rebuilding Canucks, and be sold off to the highest bidder like the previous season. Recently though, there have been rumblings about a potential extension instead, as Vanek has fit in very well in Vancouver and taken on a sort of mentor role with young Brock Boeser. When Rick Dhaliwal of News 1130 caught up with Vanek’s agent he wouldn’t rule any possibility out:
All options are on the table including being traded by Vancouver and re-signing with the Canucks in the summer.
That would seem to be the best option for the Canucks as they continue to try and build up a core for head coach Travis Green to take to the next level. Though Vanek has obviously found chemistry with some of the younger players, his value on the trade market likely outweighs any influence he’d have on them down the stretch.
Vanek was dealt last season for a third-round pick after a similar impressive start to the season with the Detroit Red Wings, only to find a little less room to operate for the Florida Panthers. The 34-year old is making even less money this season and could be added to a team looking for some powerplay help down the stretch, but there is still quite a few red flags in his game.
Never one to be referred to as an elite competitor, Vanek has been called out in the past for a perceived lack of effort at times. Though he’s not a defensive stalwart, 15 goals and 37 points is nothing to overlook. Any acquiring team will have to admit his flaws as well as recognize his strengths, but nothing he’s done in Vancouver has hurt his stock.
Trade him and im sure he would wanna re-sign in Vancouver in the summer that will be the best thing for the canucks