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Elliotte Friedman: Blues Pursued Vanek Back In October

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:18 pm
by SIU LAW
Interesting tidbit. I think this was floated by another writer (perhaps Burnside) back in October.

Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts
Thomas Vanek told Newsday's Arthur Staple he would consider re-signing with the New York Islanders, even if he was traded by them. The same theory exists around Matt Moulson, who's been a good fit in Buffalo, although you never know what happens once a player leaves (leaving any kind of paper trail is a really bad idea, too). A lot of teams like Moulson. As for Vanek, the St. Louis Blues were in on him back in October. I can't see why that wouldn't be the case again.

Re: Elliotte Friedman: Blues Pursued Vanek Back In October

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:28 pm
by SIU LAW
Obviously back then, the Blues were uncertain whether they would have one of the better offensives in the league. In the deal with the Islanders, the Sabres retained 19.5% of Vanek’s salary. If you assume that the Sabres would have been willing to do that for the Blues, or perhaps a little bit more, you would have to assume that someone with an Oshie or Stewart level salary was going to back the other way…

Re: Elliotte Friedman: Blues Pursued Vanek Back In October

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 7:49 am
by dmiles2186
Definitely an interesting tidbit. I'm trying to remember discussion back here this summer, it seems Vanek's name came up a few times. His offense would have been nice, for sure. But the way it's turned out, obviously we've got scoring up and down the roster, and I like that depth over one guy. Plus, the Islanders had to give up Moulson for Vanek, I'm not sure I'd want to give up a quality roster player to acquire Vanek.

Re: Elliotte Friedman: Blues Pursued Vanek Back In October

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 8:37 am
by gaijin
dmiles2186 wrote:I'm not sure I'd want to give up a quality roster player to acquire Vanek.
At this point, no. If for some reason, we go back to trying to win every game by a score of 1-0 like we used to, then yeah, maybe. I think the only way you give up that quality roster player at this point is for an absolute game-changer.