Bay Side
May 27th, 2004, 10:42:46 AM
Vanek contract update
www.sabrefans.com
Buffalo Sabres' GM Darcy Regier touched off a mild national media frenzy when he dropped a hint the Sabres were interested in signing Thomas Vanek, their first round pick (5th overall) from last year's draft. Regier repeated statements he had told local Western New York media a couple of weeks ago that escaped national attention, this time he got it. The stories really weren't news at all but just catch up articles with information Western New Yorkers had already. The articles did prompt some further comments from Vanek himself. Vanek stated he was very happy in college and is more than content to play out his junior season at the University of Minnesota. Vanek also stated that the Sabres had not made him any kind of contract offer and that the team had merely contacted family advisors. It would seem the Sabres were just feeling out Vanek to confirm his intentions for next season. It makes little economic sense for the Sabres to sign such a high draft pick under the current collective bargaining agreement (which expires September 15th) which would almost guarentee Vanek some lofty signing bonuses. Vanek could decide to go back to Europe this year, something which could eventually lead to the Sabres losing their rights to the big scoring winger. It's a thought and situation that most likely entered the minds of the Sabres' brass so it's not terribly surprising the team wanted to determine Vanek's intentions.
The Sabres could very well wait for a new CBA to be hammered out. If the 2004-5 season doesn't suffer from a long lock-out, Buffalo just may sign Vanek this year but under the new CBA. Given speculation of team salary caps, it's likely it would cost the Sabres far less to sign Vanek under the new agreement. Sabres' fans shouldn't worry about Vanek staying in college. While a potent offensive force already Vanek will be well served with another year with the Gophers. Vanek is still adjusting to the North American game (and culture), he needs to work on his defense a bit and round out his game. Minnesota is an excellent place to do that and the coaching staff looks after their star well. Remember, this is the place the legendary Herb Brooks once coached and has cases of national titles to its credit. It's a good situation for Vanek and thankfully he seems to realize it.
www.sabrefans.com
Buffalo Sabres' GM Darcy Regier touched off a mild national media frenzy when he dropped a hint the Sabres were interested in signing Thomas Vanek, their first round pick (5th overall) from last year's draft. Regier repeated statements he had told local Western New York media a couple of weeks ago that escaped national attention, this time he got it. The stories really weren't news at all but just catch up articles with information Western New Yorkers had already. The articles did prompt some further comments from Vanek himself. Vanek stated he was very happy in college and is more than content to play out his junior season at the University of Minnesota. Vanek also stated that the Sabres had not made him any kind of contract offer and that the team had merely contacted family advisors. It would seem the Sabres were just feeling out Vanek to confirm his intentions for next season. It makes little economic sense for the Sabres to sign such a high draft pick under the current collective bargaining agreement (which expires September 15th) which would almost guarentee Vanek some lofty signing bonuses. Vanek could decide to go back to Europe this year, something which could eventually lead to the Sabres losing their rights to the big scoring winger. It's a thought and situation that most likely entered the minds of the Sabres' brass so it's not terribly surprising the team wanted to determine Vanek's intentions.
The Sabres could very well wait for a new CBA to be hammered out. If the 2004-5 season doesn't suffer from a long lock-out, Buffalo just may sign Vanek this year but under the new CBA. Given speculation of team salary caps, it's likely it would cost the Sabres far less to sign Vanek under the new agreement. Sabres' fans shouldn't worry about Vanek staying in college. While a potent offensive force already Vanek will be well served with another year with the Gophers. Vanek is still adjusting to the North American game (and culture), he needs to work on his defense a bit and round out his game. Minnesota is an excellent place to do that and the coaching staff looks after their star well. Remember, this is the place the legendary Herb Brooks once coached and has cases of national titles to its credit. It's a good situation for Vanek and thankfully he seems to realize it.