Wings Add Forward Vanek

In something of a surprise move, the Red Wings added a second forward on Friday, signing Thomas Vanek to a one-year deal.

Vanek agrees to 1 year deal with Detroit.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016

Per Gord Miller of TSN, Vanek is set to make $2.6 million for the season.

Detroit signs Tomas Vanek to a 1 year deal for $2.6m

— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) July 1, 2016

I half-like the move. The cap hit is friendly. The term is perfect. It’s a lot like the Brad Richards deal last year. The problem is the roster crunch at forward, but clearly the Wings are trying to swing a trade to fix their blueline so who knows what forward(s) they’ll have to give up.

Vanek spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Wild and was bought out this week.  In 817 career NHL games with Buffalo, the New York Islanders, Montreal, and Minnesota, Vanek has 316 goals and 333 assists.

According to his agent, Vanek expects to see time on the Red Wings’ power play.

Confirmed. @T_Vanek26 attracted to PP opp. w/@DetroitRedWings, impressed w/Holland + Blashill in interview period https://t.co/0lmtzAat1a

— Scott Bartlett (@SCGscott) July 1, 2016