Amid a flurry of activity and rumors before the start of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft today, beat writer Michael Russo of the Star Tribune has reported that the Minnesota Wild have informed forward Thomas Vanek that they will be buying out his contract.
Minnesota Wild to Buyout Thomas Vanek: Report
I just got off the phone with Thomas Vanek, and he has confirmed that the #mnwild is buying him out
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 24, 2016
Vanek played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in college and lead the team to an NCAA National Championships in 2003. Given his connection to the state, there was little doubt he would join the team upon becoming a free agent in the summer of 2014, signing a three-year deal worth $19.5 million.
Vanek: It was a dream of mine to come back to the State of Hockey and I got to fulfill that, but obviously not the way I hoped” #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 24, 2016
However, in two seasons with the Wild, the two-time 40-goal scorer has not lived up to his $6.5-million price tag, scoring 21 goals and 52 points in 2014-15, and then just 18 goals and 41 points this past season, as he saw his ice time and role with the club reduced.
For the Wild, the buyout provides them with a bit of relief for what is a very top-heavy cap situation for the club, especially as they have to re-sign restricted free agents Jason Zucker, Matt Dumba, and goaltender Darcy Kuemper. The buyout will give the Wild about $5 million extra and about $14 million in total cap space to play with through the draft and free agency.
Meanwhile, Vanek becomes a free agent and, at the right price point, could still be a valuable commodity on a short-term deal, even at 32 years old. The Austrian winger has scored 316 goals and 333 assists for 649 points in 817 games split between the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, and Minnesota.
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