Thomas Vanek spent a portion of the 2013-14 season with the New York Islanders, skating in 47 games while scoring 17 goals and 27 assists. Though his time with the Islanders was brief, he had some strong statements against the team’s move from Long Island to Brooklyn.
Vanek claims that players were turned off by the team’s move, resulting in the Islanders losing some free agents while also failing to attract others.
The always candid Thomas Vanek on #Isles: "When I was here a few years back I would’ve stayed in a heartbeat if we’d stayed on the Island…
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 4, 2016
"… It was a good team, they’re still a good team. Every team loses guys, what I know is (#Isles) moving (to BK) has turned some guys off."
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 4, 2016
Vanek said #Isles reached out after MIN buyout, but DET made a strong push. "And Fransy signing there early made it an even easier choice."
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 4, 2016
Was money a reason why Vanek didn’t return to the Islanders? It doesn’t sound like it. Keep in mind that the Isles made two separate offers to him for a healthy amount.
And just a reminder: Vanek turned down $7m per twice from the #isles.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 4, 2016
Vanek is the first player who has openly discussed the fact that the team’s move to Brooklyn is directly hindering their player retention and recruiting. He has already stated that his own personal decision was influenced by the team moving to Brooklyn, but now he is saying he’s aware of it influencing others too. It’s safe to assume that the Islanders will have to pay a premium to keep/bring in players.
The current situation in Brooklyn is far from ideal for the Islanders. There are a ton of reasons why the move to Brooklyn hasn’t worked (horrible ice, bad views for fans and many more) and those may result in the Isles moving in the relatively near future.
