Thomas Vanek has landed in the worst possible spot for Boston Bruins fans.
Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that Vanek has been traded from the New York Islanders to the Montreal Canadiens.
The Islanders will receive forward prospect Sebastian Collberg and a second-round pick in return, according to Newsday’s Arthur Staple. Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports that the Isles also will send a conditional fifth-round pick to Montreal as part of the deal. The picks, however, will also change hands if the Canadiens make the playoffs this season, according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Vanek confirmed the trade in an interview with TSN.
Vanek, who was traded to New York by the Buffalo Sabres earlier this season, has put up impressive numbers for the miserable Isles, totaling 21 goals and 32 assists in 60 games with the two clubs. His 44 points are more than any player on the current Canadiens roster.
The 30-year-old winger also has terrorized the Bruins throughout his career, averaging more than a point per game against the Habs’ hated rival. Vanek has scored more goals (30) and points (61) in his 53 games against Boston than he has against any other NHL team.
The Canadiens are currently in second place in the Atlantic Division and hold the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
