The Vancouver Canucks signed veteran Thomas Vanek to a one-year deal worth a modest $2 million, which caused some to scratch their heads. Why would a rebuilding team bother signing a 34-year-old who’s a shell of his former self?
Well, Vanek and Benning have shared the last laugh. He’s on his way to a 20-goal and 50-point season, barring anything unforeseen. Vanek could be that final piece a team needs to chase a Stanley Cup, so the Canucks deserve a good return for him.
Remember, the Ottawa Senators dealt a promising prospect in Jonathan Dahlen for a 36-year-old Alexandre Burrows, who’s been a bottom-six forward over the last three years.