Thomas Vanek is expected to be traded again this season.
The New York Islanders forward has rejected a substantial offer from general manager Garth Snow, who is now fielding offers on his pending unrestricted free agent, as first reported by Newsday’s Arthur Staple on Monday.
Sources say Thomas Vanek has turned down a substantial offer from the #Isles, who will likely move him by Mar. 5 deadline. Story to come.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 3, 2014
According to Staple, the Islanders’ offer is believed to be in the same range as Vanek’s current seven-year, $50-million contract, which expires on July 1.
Vanek told ESPN’s Katie Strang that he is “strongly leaning” towards testing free agency this summer but has not closed the door on returning to the Islanders.
The Islanders, who sit 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, traded sniper Matt Moulson and a first- and second-round draft pick for Vanek on Oct. 28.
Since arriving to Long Island, Vanek has scored 15 goals and 23 assists in 41 games playing alongside star centre John Tavares.
Earlier this month, the 30-year-old winger said he would be open to returning to the Islanders in the off-season even if he was dealt by March 5.
“I know Garth gave up a lot to get me here, so if they feel they need to get something back (by the deadline), I understand,” Vanek told Newsday last week. “I like it here, it’s a good group of guys. This would be a place I’d consider if it gets to July 1.”
