Why I Love The Thomas Vanek Trade For The Montreal Canadiens

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When Marc Bergevin and the Montreal Canadiens were linked to Thomas Vanek at the beginning of the day, I was intrigued but scared when Lars Eller was also being discussed.

However, when Vanek was acquired along with a conditional fifth round pick for Sebastian Collberg and a conditional second round pick, there is really nothing to dislike about this trade.

So far this season, Vanek has 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points in 60 games. In 47 games with the Islanders, Vanek is almost a point per game with 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points.

Vanek is exactly the player this Canadiens team needs. A genuine top six forward on the wing who can provide depth to the Canadiens scoring. He is a big body who is a possession positive. He doesn’t have the greatest reputation without the puck, but if he has it most of the time does it make that much of a difference?

He was probably the best player available at the trade deadline and for the first time in, well, forever, the Canadiens got him. Without giving up very much to get him. It’s a good feeling that will give fans a boost when it comes to making the playoffs and also shows that Marc Bergevin believes enough in his team to compete this year that he is willing to get a rental.

Will the Canadiens sign Vanek? Most likely not. He is widely believed to want to return to Minnesota where he played in College at the University of Minnesota. But stranger things have happened, and hey, let’s not dwell on that. Let’s enjoy seeing a top goal scorer in the league to play alongside Max Pacioretty.

We always wanted more than one, and now we have another one. It’s a solid move for the Canadiens and don’t underestimate the boost it gives the team to see their general manager go out on a limb and get a player of Vanek’s caliber. Not to mention the boost that Vanek gives this team when it comes to scoring goals.

I can’t wait to see Vanek in a Montreal Canadiens uniform.