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Thomas Vanek Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets

Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek has been traded yet again. This time, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the eighth team Vanek has played for. All of these teams have come in the last five seasons. In return, the Vancouver Canucks are bringing in Tyler Motte and Jussi Jokinen.

Vancouver Canucks trade Thomas Vanek to Columbus Blue Jackets

Vanek, 34, has been productive in Vancouver. Averaging only 14 minutes of ice time, he’s been able to score 17 goals and 41 points in 61 games this year. Over the course of this season, Vanek has mainly played as the Sedin Brothers’ right wing. Together, the three NHL veterans have combined for over 115 points, and take up the latter three spots of the top four scorers in Vancouver. The leader is star rookie Brock Boeser, who Vanek has also played a lot with. Centered by Sam Gagner, the trio has been fairly productive for Vancouver. Vanek has a 45.6 percent Corsi, -3.1 Corsi relative.

Now Boeser will have to find another playmaker, though. Vanek is on to [x], where he brings a strong veteran presence. Vanek has seen it all. He has won the Lady Byng Trophy three times and has also hoisted the Hart and Selke trophies. Throughout his career, he has had a total of eight seasons of over 50 points, six of these ending up being over 60 points. Vanek could be on track to do it again this year. With 22 games left, he’s on track to total 55 points. He hasn’t broken the 50-point mark since the 2014-15 season. That year, Vanek totalled 52 points with the Minnesota Wild.

Transitioning to the Blue Jackets might be the spark Vanek needs to tally the points needed. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent, but teams might put a generous amount of trust into the vet if he continues to play this way. His contract carries a $2 million cap hit.

The Return

Motte, 22, was part of the Jackets trade for Artemi Panarin this summer. He has three goals and five points in 31 games this season. Motte has seven goals and 12 points in 61 career games.

Jokinen is on his fourth team this season. He cleared waivers earlier today. Jokinen has one goal and seven points in 46 games.

 

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Gabriel Foley

Gabriel Foley

Gabriel Foley serves as the Senior Editor and SEO Analyst for Last Word on Hockey. He is nearing his 7-year anniversary at the site and is one of the crew's many NHL Draft experts, on top of covering the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres.

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