UPDATE: The trade is: Thomas Vanek and a 2014 fifth-round pick, for Montreal’s second-round pick (both conditional on Canadiens making the playoffs) and prospect Sebastian Collberg.
Several sources are announcing that the Montreal Canadiens have acquired Thomas Vanek from the Islanders, the details of the deal have not yet been announced, but we’ll update them as they come out. This deal came right down to the wire.
He is a UFA at the end of the year, and all indications so far are that he plans on signing with the Minnesota Wild in the off-season.
This gives Montreal a much needed offensive weapon, and a much needed left winger that can slot onto the top two lines and play on the right wing as well.
He has 21 goals and 32 assists in 60 games this year, in a split between the Islanders and the Sabres.
This is Marc Bergevin’s biggest trade in his short tenure, as most of his deals have been very minor involving depth players.
It’s a great addition going into the playoffs, however pending on the return it may end up costing Montreal long term.
