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The biggest name on the trade market right now is New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek. The Islanders acquired Vanek in late October from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Matt Moulson and a couple of draft picks. Vanek is a free agent this summer. But now things have gone south as Vanek has refused to sign a contract extension with Islanders. If he isn’t moved by Wednesday, general manager Garth Snow must be fired.
There are many reasons that Snow should be fired, but if Vanek isn’t moved that will be the final straw. First off, Snow messed with the chemistry of the Islanders when he decided to move Moulson, a fan favorite, and take on the risk of losing Vanek this summer. He also destroyed the chemistry his team had built over the last couple of seasons. Moulson and John Tavares were one of the best duos in the NHL over the last two seasons.
Vanek and Tavares eventually hit it off, but it was too late. The Islanders had already fallen out of playoff contention. Then reports started coming in that Vanek had refused contract offers from the Islanders. Now once again Vanek is back in trade rumors.
There is no questioning that the Vanek trade would have been great if they had re-signed him. But everyone around the league knew that Vanek was most likely going head to the Minnesota Wild this offseason. Minnesota is Vanek’s hometown, and they have some cap space.
But instead Snow rolled the dice and made a stupid trade. If Vanek isn’t moved, Snow should be fired the moment the trade deadline is over.