Thomas Vanek Trade to Minnesota Wild

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Thomas Vanek of the New York Islanders is being shopped before the March 5, 2014 NHL trade deadline. Vanek is a first line left winger who scored more than 40 goals twice in his career. At the age of 30, he is still productive with 45 points in 50 games played this season. He is coming off a contract with a cap hit of $7.14 million per season. He is looking for a 7 year contract that pays him $7.5 million per season.

Vanek likes many things about the Islanders organization: his coach, teammates and management. However, players often like money the most and he is going to test free agency. According to his agent, "[Vanek] realized there was tons of positives that he liked [about the Islanders]. Does that mean that we're ready to sign on the dotted line? No that's still being discussed in a number of ways."

GM Garth Snow of the NY Islanders is looking to deal Vanek in return for an established veteran and a first round draft pick. Look for the Minnesota Wild to acquire Thomas Vanek either by trade or free agency.