Set to become an unrestricted free agent this July, star winger and former co-captain Thomas Vanek did not leave Buffalo for monetary reasons.
According to a Buffalo News report Monday, the struggling Sabres were willing to make Vanek the highest-paid player in the National Hockey League if the talented winger decided to re-sign in Buffalo.
The highest-paid NHLer is Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, whose 13-year contract pays him an average of $9,538,462 annually.
Instead of negotiating a long-term extension with Buffalo, Vanek welcomed Sunday’s trade to the New York Islanders, who made the playoffs last season and currently sit as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
“I enjoyed my time there, but I didn’t want to be a part of that,” Vanek told reporters in New York after his first practice with the Isles. “We traded pretty much every veteran. The message was clear that they’re going for draft picks. I think our last game we played four teenagers. Good, young players, but young players take time.”
There is no guarantee the 29-year-old Vanek will remain with the Islanders beyond this season, but the two-time 40-goal scorer has a better chance at post-season play on Long Island than with the rebuilding Sabres (2-10-1), who acquired Matt Moulson and a pair of draft picks in the deal.
“You train all summer long, practice every day, and you want to be on a competitive team that has a chance,” Vanek said. “We struggled [in Buffalo]. It’s hard to leave when you do struggle. I was one of the leaders, but at the same time the reality is it’s business and I’m happy to be an Islander.”
