After being bought out by the Minnesota Wild earlier this off-season, Thomas Vanek has found a new home. Vanek has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings for $2.6 million.
Detroit signs Tomas Vanek to a 1 year deal for $2.6m
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) July 1, 2016
Thomas Vanek Signs With Detroit Red Wings
Vanek had 18 goals and 41 points for the Wild last season. Vanek signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal with Minnesota following the 2013-14 season. While Vanek produced offence for the Wild, it was not at the level expected for a player with a $6.5 million cap hit, and $7.5 million salary next season. As a result Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher choose to buy out his deal.
At only 32 years old, Vanek can be expected to produce roughly 40 points per season, about 15 powerplay points per season, and solid possession stats. This is all within about 15 minutes of ice time per game as well. Overall, this is your typical 2nd or 3rd line secondary scoring winger. After being bought out, this Vanek signing may go under the radar, but he still has enough upside that he could have a big impact in Detroit.
Vanek is good mix of being a veteran but also having a few more years left in his prime before he is seriously declining. While he has shown some decline from being a 60-70-point scorer to a 40-point scorer, he should still pe able to produce at that level for a few years, and might even regain his previous form.
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 09: Thomas Vanek #26 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates his goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at American Airlines Center on January 9, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
