Vanek had 48 Points in his rookie year (2005-06), and arguably his career peaked early as his sophomore season showed career-highs in Goals (43), Assists (41), Points (84), and Plus/Minus (47), which led the NHL. Vanek would be named a Second Team All-Star that year, the first and only time he received this accolade.
Vanek still was a productive player for Buffalo, accruing back-to-back 64 Point years (2007-08 & 2008-09) with his 20 Power Play Goals in 2008-09 leading the NHL. The Austrian Wing went to the All-Star Game that year. He had three more full years with the Sabres, scoring 53, 73, and 61 Points, respectively.
Early in the 2013-14 campaign, Vanek left Buffalo when he was traded to the New York Islanders. With the Sabres, Vanek was three Points shy of 500.
Comments powered by CComment