Nothing in English yet, but Austrian media outlets are all carrying that news tonight. Vanek hangs em up after 14 years in the league and 1,029 regular season games (373 goals and 416 assists).
Hard to put into words what he's meant for Austrian hockey. We really haven't produced a whole lot of NHL players (I think it's been 7 in total, plus a number of Canadians who later became Austrian citizens) and having a player score 30 or even 40 goals a season was pretty amazing. Easily the best Austrian player ever (ahead of Michael Grabner, who hopefully can stick around for a couple more years), too bad he didn't get to win a Stanley Cup.
Vanek also says he wants to stay in hockey and maybe become a GM one day. All the best to him in retirement
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He was an awesome player, loved to watch him. Always hoped he'd be a Flame someday.
Great career.
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me too, man ... me too. Hope to see an Austrian in a Flames uniform one day, would be great. We won't get a chance to draft Marco Rossi this year, who's our next big hope and who'll hopefully find a good home. But maybe defenseman Thimo Nickl, who's expected to be a 3rd or 4th rounder at this point. We could use another right-handed defensemen in the system after all, right?
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Had a solid career and earned quite well too (Thanks to the Edmonton offer sheet). Was a fun player to watch, and wish him all the best in his retirement. It is always good to see players succeed from “non-traditional” hockey countries.
I haven't been following him but how come no one gave him a shot this season? 36 in 64 last season is pretty good especially getting him at league minimum.
I haven't been following him but how come no one gave him a shot this season? 36 in 64 last season is pretty good especially getting him at league minimum.
I was wondering the same thing. From what I recall, he can play both wings as well.
He did become less physical in recent years, but I think he could still play.
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I haven't been following him but how come no one gave him a shot this season? 36 in 64 last season is pretty good especially getting him at league minimum.
I think Vanek had sort of a negative stigma around him, like even when he was good. So it's understandable he would not be in high demand as a bottom 6 player
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One of my favourite things about Vanek was how often he would get breakaways and wind up for a huge slapshot. It was hilarious and cool and it worked almost every time.
This was basically his career in a nutshell:
"You have entered... power drive!"
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Thomas Vanek retires
