HABS LAND VETERAN SNIPER VANEK
The Montreal Canadiens acquired winger Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2014 from the New York Islanders for winger Sebastian Collberg and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have had a lot of trouble scoring goals this season, so adding Vanek--one of the biggest fish in the trade pond this year--could be a major move. He's a potential UFA expected to sign with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, however, so he is clearly viewed as a pure rental. Montreal felt they needed the offensive boost, though. If Montreal misses the playoffs, the conditional draft picks get wiped out.
What does it give the New York Islanders
The Islanders paid heavily for Vanek when acquired from Buffalo earlier this season, so it was probably impossible to get similar value right at the deadline wire. That said, Isles GM {B Garth Snow} may have picked up a potential steal in Swedish winger Collberg, a dynamic offensive player who could move quickly through the ranks. He may end up being the only piece to this deal, depending on Montreal's plight.
Fantasy impact
Vanek is quite likely to play in Minnesota next season, but for now he may get a small boost as a Hab. After all, had he stayed on Long Island, he wouldn't have had {P John Tavares} to play with anyway. Collberg has significant long-range keeper value as a potential sniper for the young Islanders.
