Michael Whitaker
The NHL trade deadline is Wednesday afternoon, and for the first time in decades, the Detroit Red Wings are poised to be sellers.
One member of the team that is almost certainly going to be traded is winger Thomas Vanek. He was signed to a one-year contract by Detroit this summer, and has been one of the few bright spots for the Red Wings in an otherwise dreary season.
There has been speculation that Detroit may look to trade Vanek and then re-sign him again in the summer, but Vanek himself isn’t looking that far ahead just yet.
“Really is no point to talk right now anyway,” Vanek said in an interview. “July 1 is right around the corner. Again, like I said, it’s a place that I like, but at the same time I might as well wait and see what’s out there.”
Vanek also said that he won’t be surprised what happens by tomorrow, and that being dealt is something he’s used to. The 12-year veteran was traded twice during the 2013-14 campaign, starting with Buffalo and ending in Montreal, making a stop with the Islanders in between.
“Guys get moved all the time and I’ve been through it,” he said. “So again, I won’t be surprised either way. Would I be shocked if I’m going somewhere else? Not at all. Would I be shocked if I stayed? No, because even though the chances are slim, you just never know.”
In 47 games played, Vanek has scored 15 goals to go with 38 points. Should the Red Wings deal him by tomorrow’s deadline, they could receive a few draft picks in return.
