There is no word on the Canadiens' line combinations, but it is believed that Vanek will skate on a line with Tomas Plekanec and Alex Galchenyuk. Reportedly, Montreal is the only team to have put in an offer for Vanek on Wednesday. The price in which they acquired him was substantially lower than expected, but a weak market for Vanek would explain that.
The Islanders gave up Matt Moulson, a first and a second round pick for Vanek and then only move him for a second and prospect. This has to be considered a loss for the Islanders and a huge win for the Habs. They sit 20th in the NHL in scoring but now add Vanek who has 21 goals in 60 games this season. He is a three-time 40-goal scorer and has had 25-plus goals in every full season in his career. The picks will swap hands if the Canadiens make the playoffs.
Vanek is almost a guarantee to be traded before the deadline, so being scratched suggests there is a deal in place or at least close. It could also be the Islanders playing it safe and protecting an asset. Regardless, get him out of your lineup.
Vanek missed the last five games - really six, since he left the November 9 loss in Columbus with a strained upper-body muscle after just 30 seconds. In his first six games as an Islander, Vanek has one goal and two assists. Expect the Austrian winger to get more comfortable with his new teammates and line-mates and start filling the stat sheet soon. He is expected to skate on the first line with Jonathan Tavares and Kyle Okposo.
Vanek will miss his fifth straight game tonight. He has been on the shelf since November 9 after being injured on the first shift. Vanek had one goal and two assists in six games since coming over from the Sabres. Consider him questionable for Thursday.
The Islanders will wait and see how Vanek feels on game day and make a decision then. He has missed the last three games, but is not expected to have a serious injury and should return this week. If he can't go, Brock Nelson will continue to skate on the first line.
Vanek will miss his fourth straight game tonight. The Islanders as 1-2-0 without him in the lineup. His next chance to get into the lineup will be Tuesday vs. Toronto.
Vanek missed the last three games but is expected to suit up tonight. Since coming over from the Sabres, Vanek has one goal and two assists in six games. He will rejoin Kyle Okposo and John Tavares on the first line where he should be able to produce consistently.
Vanek skated by himself on Wednesday and skated with the team this morning, but will not play. It will be the third straight game Vanek has missed after being injured in the first period on Saturday. He will target a return on Saturday vs. the Red Wings.
Vanek worked out off-ice today but did not skate and will miss his second straight game. He was injured after playing just 0:23 in Saturday's loss to Columbus. Vanek could skate tomorrow and it appears as if he will avoid the IR and should be back in the Isles lineup shortly.
Vanek was injured after playing just 0:23 on Saturday. Monitor his status prior to Tuesday's contest vs. Montreal.
Vanek left after 23 seconds in the first. Speculation is that he was slashed on the hand. Stay tuned for more updates.
Vanek has four goals and five assists in 13 games with Buffalo. He was tied for 13th in the NHL in goals (20) and led the Sabres with 41 points in 2012-13. The 29-year-old will likely skate with John Tavares on the Isles first line, something that should definitely boost his fantasy stock.
Monitor his status throughout the day.
Rolston still believes Vanek could return Tuesday in Winnipeg.
“He is getting better, yeah, but I don’t think he’ll be ready for tomorrow,” Rolston said this afternoon after practice. Rolston said Tuesday is the best-case scenario for Vanek’s return. The Sabres’ leading scorer has missed the last five contests.
This will be the fifth consecutive game that Vanek has missed with an upper-body injury. Consider Vanek questionable for Sunday's game with the Devils.
Vanek has missed the Sabres last four games with an upper-body injury. The Sabres dealt away some of their best players recently, leaving Vanek alone. He will likely continue to be productive because he will be leaned on so heavily for offense. Monitor his status prior to tomorrow's game.
Vanek will miss his fourth straight game tonight with an upper-body injury. There was speculation that Vanek might be ready tonight so he can't be too far away from making a return. Consider his questionable for Friday's game with the Senators.
It sounds like Vanek will miss his fourth straight game tomorrow because of an upper-body injury. The Sabres haven't won a game since Vanek got hurt.
