NHL Trade Rumors: Sharks Aggressively Pursuing Islanders’ Thomas Vanek

According to a report, the Sharks are aggressively pursuing New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek, who was scratched before his team’s game in Winnipeg earlier today. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Check back in to this post for updates on Vanek as the trade deadline nears. 

UPDATE 8:25 PST

If Thomas Vanek is to be traded, it will happen Wednesday morning:

UPDATE 7:34 PST

According to John Shannon of Sportsnet, the Sharks are no longer interested in Vanek:

Original Story

As the NHL Trade Deadline nears, it is clear that the San Jose Sharks are looking to make a splash.

According to a report, the Sharks are aggressively pursuing New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek, who was scratched before his team’s game in Winnipeg earlier today.

Vanek has long been the subject of trade rumors, as he will be a free agent in the offseason, appears to have little interest in re-signing, and the Islanders are out of playoff contention. He has already been traded once this season from the Sabres to the Islanders.

The 30-year-old winger would be a huge get for the Sharks if GM Doug Wilson could pull off this deal. He has scored 20+ goals in each of his eight seasons in the league, and is someone who could turn the Sharks into immediate Cup contenders.

He is, however, making $5.15 million this season, so the Sharks will need to send back a few assets besides draft picks or prospects. Martin Havlat, Brad Stuart, and Adam Burish are the veterans on the roster who are potential trade candidates.

San Jose is also rumored to be discussing a deal with the Jets that would reunite them with Devin Setoguchi.

It is almost a certainty that Vanek will be dealt before Wednesday’s trade deadline, but will he be a Shark?