Is Vanek-couver the last stop?
Winger worth much, but he’d be a valuable vet in post-Sedins era too
The early season question seemed relevant.
Was Travis Green willing to live with the supposed defensive shortcomings of Thomas Vanek because the well-travelled winger could unleash that heavy and accurate half-slapper at any given moment — or at least set up a linemate or stand his ground in the slot to set screens and tip pucks?
The answer was a resounding “yes.”
Now, it’s relevant to ask if the Vancouver Canucks can live without Vanek.
The 34-year-old has more than lived up to his billing after accepting a one-year, US$2-million freeagent deal. The acquisition not only bought development time for prospects, it added a needed dimension for a goal-starved offence.
So, forget about that misleading minus-14 rating. The Canucks rank 29th in even-strength scoring and have allowed the 11th-most goals in five-on-five play. That’s on everybody, not any one player.
“The main reason I’m still playing is I feel I can produce and make players better,” Vanek said Wednesday. “And when I can’t do that, I’ll probably step away.”
Vanek is second in team scoring with 35 points and 14 goals. He’s a smart strategist for teammates and the coaching staff, and he’s a willing sounding board for the next wave of scorers in Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser.
It’s also why the Canucks must adhere to the adage of buying low and selling high. They should push for a second-round pick at the Feb. 26 deadline because there’s a market for Vanek.
A year ago at the deadline, he was moved from Detroit to Florida for a prospect and conditional thirdround pick — even though he had 15 goals and 23 assists in 48 games — because the Red Wings were out of playoff contention and the Panthers were trying to get to the post-season.
However, Vanek had but two goals in 20 games and was basically an insurance policy against injury. He thought he might develop some chemistry and help the kids. It didn’t happen.
“That’s the bad side of it,” he said of the trade deadline. “It’s easier because it’s not my first one-year deal. But is it fun? No, it’s not fun. Even for me, I know what might happen, but it’s tough.
“Even last year, I liked it in Detroit and enjoyed my time there, just like here, and you always want to finish what you start. It’s definitely an uneasy time for me.”
Then again, Vanek could make it easier for a Stanley Cup contender.
He has 34 points, including 20 goals, in 63 career playoff games. He’s big. He can stand his ground and his playmaking is often overshadowed by his shot and deft touch at tipping pucks.
“I don’t mind physical play,” Vanek said. “I’m around the net all the time. What’s tough is coming in to a team that has jelled for 60-odd games. You don’t want to mess up their chemistry and the coach is going to trust the guys who have been there all year — as he should.”
It’s different here because the playoffs are something to build toward, not something to prepare for.
You can only cater to a certain level of status quo to ensure a competitive product and youthful transition in this market. A scenario where unrestricted free agents Henrik and Daniel Sedin and Vanek all return next season doesn’t make sense if you’re flipping the development switch.
And don’t assume Vanek would re-sign if the Sedins decide to retire. He gave up term and money for an environment where there was more initial anticipation than angst. It’s not lost on Vanek that next season could be a bigger struggle without the twins and the 100 points they bring to the club.
Would that make it tough for Vanek to commit to Vancouver, if that scenario unfolds?
“Maybe,” he said. “The first day when I met Hank and Danny, you just see their character right away and — even though I had never met them before. And being around them, they’re still really good and they make a lot of plays.
“They make this team a lot better, but you have to respect their decision, whatever they do. They’ve done this for a long time and I’m sure their bodies are breaking down just as mine is. Health and family come first.
“We’ve seen where teams can turn it around quickly like New Jersey and it will definitely have some weight in my decision. I haven’t talked to anyone. Maybe I just play it out and see what happens July 1.”
If ownership needs to be sold on the possibility of retaining Vanek, a lot of players would bang that drum. Horvat would be one of them.
“It’s the little subtle plays he makes,” said Horvat, who combined with Vanek and Loui Eriksson for seven first-period points Tuesday. “His scoring speaks for itself, but he’s pretty incredible to play with.
“You can pick up on how he plays in front of the net and his down-low work, how he tips pucks and his puck protection is phenomenal. And when he does have the puck, get open, because he’s going to find you.
“Hopefully he doesn’t go anywhere (at the deadline) for our sake, but he would definitely be a good pickup.”