Minnesota hockey fans surely have good memories of Thomas Vanek, since he was a key cog in the Golden Gophers’ 2003 national title run as a freshman. He spent the majority of his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres, the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2003, before being traded twice during the 2013-14 season. Vanek circled his way back to Minnesota, signing with the Wild prior to the 2014-15 season.
Vanek had a disappointing first season with the Wild, with just 21 goals and 31 assists in 80 games played. Better things are hopefully in store for the 2015-16 season, and Vanek has offered an early highlight.