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Detroit’s Thomas Vanek Aiming For Better Second Half Of Season

Image credit: wingingitinmotown.com

Veteran forward Thomas Vanek of the Detroit Red Wings is one of those journeymen type of players who has hung around the NHL for well over a decade due to his consistency. He might be past his peak, but has still managed to produce at a considerable level over the past few years.

He scored 24 goals and 56 points in 80 games last season playing for both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks, but is on track for his worst NHL campaign in 2018/19. At his current pace, Vanek is expected to finish the year with approximately 15 goals and 36 points in 74 games. Considering he’s going to be 35 years old on Jan. 19th and he missed eight games with a knee injury it’s not a bad return really.

There’s no question Vanek’s had a tough time of it in Motor City since signing a one-year, no-movement deal worth $3 million last summer, but things are starting to look up slightly.

He skated in his 1,000th big league game on January 4th and found the back of the net during it for his seventh goal of the season. Vanek also saw 16:04 of ice time compared to his average of 13:48 this year. It was a special night for the winger as the Red Wings downed Nashville 4-3 in overtime and he had the chance to celebrate it with his family and friends. Vanek also made history in the contest by becoming the first Austrian-born NHL player to appear in 1,000 games and left the ice with 364 goals and 406 assists to his name for 770 points.

Vanek was sidelined for close to three weeks after injuring his knee on Oct. 30th and he’s been trying to get his timing back since returning to the lineup. He’s had time to do it now and has scored five goals and seven assists in 24 games since coming back.

Consistency has been the name of his game since being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the fifth overall pick in 2003. He’s scored 40 goals twice during his career and has hit the 50-point mark 10 times in 13 seasons. He’s also scored at least 20 goals 11 times in the past 13 seasons. Vanek enjoyed his career-year early as he netted 43 goals and 84 points for the Sabres in 2006/07.

Vanek’s been a bit of a hired gun throughout his NHL career as he’s played with eight different teams. His longest stint was in Buffalo where he spent eight full seasons and part of a ninth. Since 2013/14 he’s suited up with the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vancouver, Columbus and Detroit. In fact, this is his second go-round with the Red Wings as he posted 15 goals and 38 points for the club in 48 outings in 2016/17.

Teammates and coaches have been impressed with Vanek since he entered the league and he’s quite popular every where he goes. It may seem odd that he’s been collecting so many air miles in the past few years, but it’s because so many teams like to add veteran leadership and scoring at the trade deadline when pushing for a playoff spot. And that’s exactly what Vanek provides. He hasn’t exactly run rampage in postseason play, but has contributed his fair share with 21 goals and 36 points in 69 playoff contests.

And speaking of the playoffs, there’s a good chance the Red Wings won’t be playing in them in April. This means several teams may come knocking to inquire about Vanek’s availability between now and the upcoming trade deadline. The native of Vienna will have the final say though since he has a no-movement clause in his contract.

He may be open to relocating once again since the Red Wings are on a youth movement and his contract’s up in June anyway. Like all NHL player’s he’d obviously love to win a Stanley Cup ring so may approve of a deal if one is forthcoming. Vanek’s longest playoff run so far was 17 games with Montreal in 2013/14. He chipped in with five goals and five assists, but the Habs were eliminated by the New York Rangers in six games in the Eastern Conference Final after sweeping Tampa and edging Boston in seven.

In the meantime, Vanek’s hoping to turn his season around with Detroit and realizes he needs to earn his ice time from head coach Jeff Blashill.

The player recently told the local media, “I still would like to play more and stuff, but you have to play better, too. There’s always two sides to it. It’s a team sport. For me as an older guy I have to make sure I bring a good attitude and a good example for these younger guys. You stay positive. If they see me pouting around and not smiling, not having fun, then it’s going to have a bad effect on them. I’m a pro. I have to come in here and I know I have to be better.”

It’s unclear which team uniform Vanek will be wearing at the end of the season, but it shouldn’t be his last in the NHL. He’s an unrestricted free agent in July and is still capable of contributing 20 goals or more if he can stay healthy and gets enough ice time.

The new Seattle expansion franchise doesn’t begin playing until 2021/22 and Vanek will be 37 years old when the team makes its NHL debut. But don’t be surprised if he’s still playing in two year’s time and ends up with the newcomers to provide some offense, experience and leadership.

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