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Free Agent Profile: Thomas Vanek

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We are a week into free agency and a top ten member of the class is still available. Thomas Vanek, ranked eighth among PHR’s Top 50 Free Agents, still remains unsigned to the surprise of many. Vanek was a free agent last summer as well, after having the final season of a three-year $19.5MM contract with the Minnesota Wild bought out. While there were questions about his game then as well, and an apparent lack of interest that led to a one-year, $2.6MM deal with the Red Wings (a 60% drop in value from his $6.5MM AAV with the Wild), there was still sufficient enough demand that Detroit felt they had to lock him up right away on July 1st. This year? Not so much.

The strange thing about Vanek’s 2017 scenario is that he is coming off a strong, redeeming campaign. Rather than last summer, when he was fresh off the worst season of his career and a buyout, Vanek instead entered the free agent market this year with a 38-point season under his belt, seven more points in six less games than 2015-16. Vanek played extremely well in Detroit, posting 15 goals and 23 assists in 48 games, creating plenty of buzz around his trade deadline status. Although rumors swirled that Vanek would like to re-sign with the Red Wings, the team nevertheless got what they could for him, sending Vanek to the Florida Panthers for Dylan McIlrath and a third-round draft pick. In Florida, Vanek added two goals and eight assists in 20 games, but it wasn’t enough for the Panthers to make the playoffs and Vanek was out of time to show off for teams in need of scoring this summer.

Apparently, he needed to do more in 2016-17. With 697 points in 885 NHL games, Vanek’s history as an elite scorer is well established. A two-time 40-goal scorer and power play wizard, who has twice in his career topped a point-per-game pace for a whole season, there is little doubt about Vanek’s track record of creating offense. However, there are questions as to just how fast that offensive ability is slowing down. Vanek is certainly no longer a threat for 40 or even 30 goals, nor does he sit atop the league in man-up production any more. While he seemingly proved in Detroit that he can still deliver 40 or 50 points, he also looked slower up and down the ice and lacked the same quickness and creativity in the offensive zone that he used to have. The lack of interest could also be due to a noticeable drop-off in defensive ability. Vanek was never a Selke candidate, but he has always played a sound two-way game. As he has slowed down the past two years, his defensive stats have dropped off and he often looked solely focused with keeping up on offense, rather than playing a complete game. Endurance, and all that it entails in the back-and-forth game of hockey, simply seems to be an issue for Vanek and is unlikely to improve.

Nonetheless, 48 points is 48 points and there is a reason why Vanek was ranked #8 out of all free agents. The shooting ability and offensive instincts are still there for the 33-year-old, and 45-year-old Jaromir Jagr is still making that skill set work in the NHL. It’s only a matter of time before Vanek signs somewhere, but just like last summer, it appears as if it could be another bargain for a player whose age and pace of play seemed to be blown out of proportion while his experience and offensive contribution are under-rated.

Potential Suitors

We originally projected that Vanek would return to the Florida Panthers, who were in need of scoring help, especially with Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith now in Las Vegas. However, Dale Tallon and the Panthers went in a different direction, bringing back Evgeni Dadonov from the KHL and inking a different veteran scorer, Radim Vrbata. Like Vrbata and Jagr, Vanek seems best-suited for one-year or short-term deals the rest of the way, especially if he’s struggling to establish his value. Who could use a short-term scorer? A return to Detroit could make sense. The fit worked out great and there were talks of an extension prior to the deadline trade, so the two sides might see if Lightning can strike twice. The Red Wings lack much cap space and should be rebuilding, but GM Ken Holland might have missed that memo. Another possibility could be the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are still a contender out West, just one year removed from a Stanley Cup appearance, but have had a very quiet off-season and just lost a high-scoring veteran winger in Patrick Marleau. This year’s Western Conference Cup qualifier, the Nashville Predators, traded away a key forward in Colin Wilson and have more than enough cap space to squeeze Vanek in if they so choose. The Boston Bruins could use another scoring threat in the top nine and they might not mind having Vanek, notorious for his strong play against Boston during his years with the Sabres and Canadiens, on their side for once. Finally, don’t rule out the Los Angeles Kings, who certainly don’t need to get slower, but who surely need more scoring with few dependable options left on the market.

Expected Contract

We predicted that Vanek would sign a one-year, $3MM deal this off-season, a logical next step after a bounce back season on a one-year, $2.6MM contract. That range still seems reasonable, unless the market really is as quiet as it seems and no one is willing to pony up that kind of money. The affordable contracts signed by aging scorers like Kris Versteeg (#26) and Ales Hemsky (#44) combined with the availability of Jagr (#13), Drew Stafford (#21), and Jiri Hudler (#40), doesn’t help Vanek’s cause. He’s not ready to retire and he won’t move overseas, but don’t be surprised if Vanek remains unsigned, holding out for market value, before finally signing for less than he did last summer.

Submit Your Questions For The Pro Hockey Rumors Mailbag

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Frustrated about your team’s off-season so far? Wondering what the next big trade will be or which free agent might sign soon? Already looking forward to next season? If you have a question regarding anything from signings and trades to the salary cap, the draft, or arbitration even to how your team ma fare in 2017-18, send us your questions for the next PHR Mailbag.  You can submit your questions on Twitter using the hashtag #PHRMailbag or by using the comment section below.

Take the weekend to think about it and be sure to check back on Monday when the mailbag is posted.

Vancouver Canucks Re-Sign Joseph LaBate

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Fresh off of his rookie season, checking forward Joseph LaBate has re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks. The team announced today that the 24-year-old has signed a one-year, two-way deal worth the league minimum of $650K. The two sides came to terms below the value of LaBate’s qualifying offer, $660K, which was made last week.

Standing 6’5″ and weighing over 200 lbs., LaBate is a noticeable presence on the ice. A two-way forward who can play both center and wing, he is a good fit for a versatile, energy-line job when called upon by Vancouver. While he provides only meager offense – no points in 13 NHL games and just 16 points in 38 AHL games last year –  he makes up for it with consistent defensive play. In the team’s press release, GM Jim Benning praised LaBate’s ability to be a physical presence for both the Canucks and AHL’s Utica Comets. Without many big checking forwards on the roster, Vancouver likely hopes that LaBate can carve out a role for himself on their bottom line as a two-way threat and work towards exhibiting some of the offensive touch he showed as a four-year starter at the University of Wisconsin.

While Benning and the Canucks are happy to have one of their young players back under contract, the team still has their work cut out for them with extending restricted free agents, with Bo Horvat, Brendan Gaunce, Reid Boucher, Michael Chaput and Evan McEneny in need of new deals. LaBate is just the beginning of several expected contracts this off-season for Vancouver.

Poll: Who Is The Best Free Agent Left?

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With the majority of the free agent class locked up, teams now have to turn their attention to the trade market to improve their team. That said, the Edmonton Oilers went out and signed a free agent today in Jussi Jokinen who can legitimately help their team next year.

There are still a few names out there that can make an impact. Out of our Top 50 Free Agents, 19 names remain available, though most would take on a fringe role on any team. Despite that, we ask you now: Who is the best free agent left on the market?

We’ve listed some of the names in our Top 50, and some names that have been added to the pool since then, but make sure to leave any other options you think should be considered in the comments.

[Mobile users click here to vote!]

Kirill Kaprizov Expected To Stay In KHL

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3:28pm: Interestingly, as Russo points out, Kaprizov seems to indicate the contract isn’t finished yet in a recent interview with Sovsport. As with any deal between the KHL and NHL, take all sources with a grain of salt before we have confirmation the contract is signed.

12:41pm: Rumors have been swirling today about the future of Minnesota Wild draft pick Kirill Kaprizov, with KHL insider Aivis Kalnins originally reporting a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow. Though there was some doubt in the report because Michael Russo of the Star Tribune couldn’t get an answer from Kaprizov’s agents, the KHL themselves have now tweeted out that he’ll stay for the next three years.

Kaprizov was Minnesota’s fifth-round selection in 2015, but has talent to play in any league he wants eventually. Scoring 42 points in 49 games last season in the KHL, and captaining the Russian World Junior team to a bronze medal—a tournament in which he scored 12 points in 7 games and was named best forward—he had quite the season. Short but not out-muscled often, Kaprizov can rack up points in all situations. Moving to CSKA will surround him with even more talent, and likely push his point totals even higher.

He turned 20 just this April, meaning he still has plenty of time to continue his game in North America should he choose to come to the NHL eventually. It’s not clear if that’s his eventual goal, but for now the Wild will watch his development from afar. After trading Alex Tuch to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Wild are starting to thin out in terms of forward prospects, and will now rely on Luke Kunin and Jordan Greenway as the key pieces going forward. Remember they did not have a first or second round pick this year, though nabbed young OHL forward Ivan Lodnia in the third round.

Anaheim Ducks Sign Dennis Rasmussen

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The Anaheim Ducks have added some center depth, signing Dennis Rasmussen to a one-year contract. Rasmussen became a free agent when the Chicago Blackhawks decided not to issue him a qualifying offer last month. No financials have been released so far.

Playing in 68 games with the Blackhawks last season, Rasmussen scored just eight points but was an effective fourth line checker. With the Ducks seeing Nate Thompson move on to Ottawa, Rasmussen should be able to fill some of his role on the fringe of the roster. While he’s not a good faceoff man, he could still be used in a center role for the club behind Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler and Antoine Vermette.

That said, Vermette would likely fit better in a fourth-line role himself if the Ducks could find another center to jump in front of him. Rickard Rakell and Andrew Cogliano seem poised to stay on the wing, while Chris Wagner is clearly not ready for a third-line role. Either way, adding Rasmussen gives the team another option for their bottom-six, one with solid NHL experience on a winning team.

Snapshots: Hyman, Mazanec, Faksa, Avalanche

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The Maple Leafs handed out a four-year contract for one of their depth players on Wednesday, inking Zach Hyman to a $9MM deal. While the deal will keep him as one of the lower paid forwards on the team, CapFriendly reports that it also includes a limited no-trade clause in the final two seasons.

Hyman will submit a list of ten teams that the Maple Leafs cannot trade him to, a clause it seems is included in every contract given out this year. The 25-year old winger grew up a Leafs fan in Toronto and has strong ties to the community, and has been clear this is where he wants to play out his career if possible.

  • Marek Mazanec has cleared waivers, giving the Nashville Predators even more leverage in his soon to be scheduled arbitration hearing. The Maple Leafs employed a similar tactic with Peter Holland last season before his arbitration hearing, eventually signing him to a $1.3MM deal that was closer to their submitted $900K offer than his requested $2.1MM. The Minnesota Wild did a similar thing with Jordan Schroeder before getting him to agree to a two-way deal. It had been previously suggested that the Predators were going to move on from Mazanec, but after issuing him a qualifying offer and him filing for arbitration, it’s unclear where the two sides stand.
  • Sean Shapiro of NHL.com speculates that Radek Faksa’s next deal will be of the bridge variety and come in around $2.5MM per season. The young center is coming off his first full season with the Dallas Stars, in which he registered 33 points and became a big part of their forward group. The 23-year old is still not arbitration eligible, and is several years away from unrestricted free agency. A bridge deal of two years would allow both sides to re-evaluate where his career stands at 25, and negotiate a long-term deal that would buy out free agent years. The Stars also don’t have much cap room for anything longer, as they find themselves close to the upper limit after signing Martin Hanzal and Alexander Radulov.
  • The Colorado Avalanche have hired Ray Bennett as an assistant coach, and Jussi Parkkila as the team’s new goaltending coach. Parkkila has been rumored for a while, as he is close with Semyon Varlamov and has worked extensively with him in the past. Bennett on the other hand comes from the St. Louis Blues organization after a decade with the club, and brings a long track record of NHL experience.

Jussi Jokinen Signs With Edmonton Oilers

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The Edmonton Oilers have signed recently bought out winger Jussi Jokinen to a one-year contract worth $1.1MM. The deal also has a limited no-trade clause. Jokinen was bought out of the final year of his previous contract on June 30th by the Florida Panthers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Now 34, Jokinen is coming off a disappointing season with the Panthers that saw him register just 11 goals and 28 points in 69 games. Though father time has a cut off date for everyone, Jokinen did score 60 points as recently as 2015-16 and still shows ability as a powerplay option for a team looking for offensive help. Like former teammate and fellow UFA Thomas Vanek, Jokinen’s speed is a concern as the NHL trends faster and more mobile, but his offensive instincts in certain situations can still be beneficial to a club. The fact that he’s always been a capable defender and was never a true rush threat lends itself to success even as he continues to lose mobility.

As discussed in our live chat yesterday, there may be room on certain rosters for a sort of specialty player that doesn’t have to log big minutes 5-on-5, but could still contribute in other ways. Similar to the way Columbus deployed Sam Gagner at the beginning of last season, Jokinen is a nice buy-low option for teams that missed out on the bigger names of free agency. Though he likely won’t have the impact of an Alexander Radulov or even Patrick Marleau, Edmonton can still get some solid value out of him on a one-year deal.

With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Mark Letestu as solid options in the middle, Jokinen is probably destined to add his talents to a group of wingers that is less impressive. With Ryan Strome also likely headed for the wing, the team is trying to replace the outgoing offensive talent of Jordan Eberle with a more spread out attack.

To be clear, Jokinen is not eligible for a contract with performance bonuses until next summer after he turns 35.

Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland was first to report the deal was close with a Western Conference team, while Mark Spector of Sportsnet first provided the details. 

Kevin Klein Retires From NHL

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After a report surfaced last month that Kevin Klein was considering retirement, the New York Rangers have announced the defenseman will indeed hang up his skates and retire at the age of 32. Klein played just 60 games last year while battling through a back injury.

Klein began his career with the Nashville Predators and played for nearly a decade there before being traded to the Rangers for Michael Del Zotto. While Del Zotto spent just half a season with the Predators before heading to Philadelphia, Klein would remain in New York and turn into one of their most important defensive pieces. Scoring 52 points over two seasons from 2014-16, Klein was one of the most clutch performers for the team during that time with eight game winning goals including several in overtime.

He’ll finish his NHL career with 154 points in 627 games, while playing in 73 playoff contests without ever hoisting the Stanley Cup. His retirement may actually help the Rangers though, as his $2.9MM cap hit will come off the books immediately. With Mika Zibanejad still to sign, the Rangers were going to be very tight to the salary cap for the upcoming season. Klein is leaving with just one year remaining on his current contract.

Nikita Nesterov, Mikhail Grigorenko Sign In KHL

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A pair of players have decided their underwhelming NHL careers are over for now, as Nikita Nesterov and Mikhail Grigorenko have both signed three-year deals with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. Nesterov’s agent had recently reported that he had at least two NHL offers, while Grigorenko did not receive a qualifying offer from the last place Colorado Avalanche.

Talent continues to stream away from the KHL despite any thoughts of Olympic participation, with players like Vladimir Sobotka, Evgeni Dadonov, Vadim Shipachyov, Alexei Bereglazov, Viktor Antipin and Klim Kostin all coming over in the past few months. Even non-Russian players like Jakub Jerabek and Stephane Da Costa are leaving the KHL for greener pastures. With that, the league has tried desperately to recruit some of their former talent back, getting Nikita Tryamkin and others to return before today.

We’ve written extensively over the past few days on Nesterov, who has had trouble finding a role in the NHL. Though his offensive ability suggests he should be able to quarterback a powerplay and take advantage of third pairing matchups, he’s never consistently shown that he can perform in those roles. A mid-season trade to the Canadiens was an even worse fit than with the Lightning, and ended with him going unqualified by Montreal this offseason.

Grigorenko on the other hand is an even worse story. Drafted 12th-overall in 2012 after dominating the Canadian junior ranks, Grigorenko was supposed to develop into a powerful center capable of playing in all scenarios. Buffalo began developing him before quickly realizing he wasn’t going to be that top-line player, and including him in a trade to Colorado for Ryan O’Reilly. In Colorado, given all the opportunity in the world with skilled players and on the powerplay, Grigorenko was still only able to reach a career-high of 27 points. He just didn’t play as big as he looked, and had trouble bringing a consistent effort.

Now just 23, it’s far from over for Grigorenko in terms of an NHL career. Should he find his game in Russia and develop into the two-way center his skills should allow, there will likely be several suitors in a few seasons to bring him back. He clearly had dreams of playing in the NHL, coming over to play in Canada when he was just 16. That dream isn’t dead, but it will be put on hold for a while.

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