Vanek Watch: Saying No To Garth Snow

Vanek will be waving goodbye to Long Island soon. Photo: Brad Penner-USA Today

Yesterday, Islanders beat writer Arthur Staple reported that winger Thomas Vanek turned down a "substantial" contract offer to remain with the Islanders. In the report, Staple said that the deal was similar to the seven year, $50 million deal that he signed with Buffalo back in 2007.

The move now has put Islanders GM Garth Snow in a tough spot, given that he traded for Vanek back in October and gave up a premium price (F Matt Moulson, 1st round pick, and 2nd round pick) to get him to Long Island. Snow is now expected to trade Vanek before the March 5 trade deadline.

Here is Vanek talking to SNY yesterday about his pending free agency:

Basically in that video, Vanek said he likes it there, but he wants to hit free agency. He wants to pick the team he signs a long term deal with (ONE OF US! ONE OF US!).

The Wild are not expected to trade for Vanek before the deadline, but you can bet they will be the first to knock on his door on July 1st.

Vanek Watch is an ongoing series on the Team of 18,001 during the 2013-14 season.

Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell for #vanekwatch updates