The Sabres traded Vanek to the New York Islanders for a package that includes Matt Moulson, a first-round draft pick in 2014 and a second-round pick in 2015. Eventually, however, the Sabres will have to trade away veterans Ryan Miller and Steve Ott.
It doesn't help the Sabres in any respect, but the Islanders are on the rise and acquiring one of the NHL's premium goal scorers certainly helps them for the future. Vanek has hit 40 goals twice in his career and put up 20 goals in 38 games of last season. So far this season, he has four.
The Islanders are certainly becoming an elite team within the Metropolitan Division, and Vanek is known to be a difference-maker. Unfortunately, Vanek is a free-agent next summer so if the Islanders are planning on making a big run, they'll have to do it this post-season.
I won't say anything about the Sabres. They're in a rebuild and I'll get to them when it looks like they're making progress with it or trade away another player. But how about Vanek going to the Islanders? That's a big move for a team with high aspirations for the Stanley Cup. He has shown to contribute and be a difference-maker and can really put together a solid effort to help this Islanders team. And now that Vanek is there, they'll look to compete with Pittsburgh and Washington within the Metropolitan. Look for this Islanders team to get better in a hurry.
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