Vanek likely to soon be an ex-Blue Jacket
Thomas Vanek’s tenure with the Blue Jackets likely is over.
The veteran forward’s agent, Stephen Bartlett, said Thursday that, barring a change on Columbus’ part before the start of free agency Sunday, Vanek is expected to sign with one of four teams that have made “serious inquiries” about him.
“He enjoyed his time with the Jackets,” Bartlett said. “I didn’t get a strong sense from them that he was an immediate signing. They kind of indicated that if it got into July and they hadn’t gotten everything they wanted that they may circle back. But I didn’t sense he was a priority for them.”
Bartlett said it’s Thomas Vanek contributed to the Blue Jackets’ run to the playoffs by scoring seven goals, tallying eight assists and compiling a plus-9 rating in 19 games.
doubtful Vanek, 34, would wait to sign. Assuming he does depart, he would play for his ninth team since 2013.
He was acquired at the trade deadline Feb. 26 from Vancouver for forwards Jussi Jokinen and Tyler Motte and made an impact in the
Jackets’ run to secure a playoff appearance. Vanek recorded seven goals, eight assists and a plus-9 rating in 19 games while averaging 14:28 of ice time playing right wing on a line with Boone Jenner and center Alexander Wennberg.
Vanek recorded a goal and an assist in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals, but he didn’t notch another point in the final five games of the six-game series, which the Jackets lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champs. Coach John Tortorella called on Vanek for only 8:35 of ice time in the deciding game at Nationwide Arena.
Vanek said after the season that he didn’t know his plans for 2018-19, but he perhaps hinted that he wasn’t returning to the Jackets by repeatedly using “they” to reference the organization.
“I’m a free agent again, and I’m going to keep my options open,” Vanek said then. “This is certainly a team, an organization, a city and fans I have been impressed with. They are outstanding here. That surprised me a little bit, how good and how loud they are. This city really loves the Blue Jackets.
“This team, really, is not far away,” he added. “They are young, but they are good. Just keep putting yourself in the situation of making the playoffs and they’ll make a run.”
Vanek said he would “definitely think hard” about remaining with the franchise if there was a roster spot for him. But with mild interest from the Jackets, Vanek apparently has decided to move on for his 14th NHL season.