Thomas Vanek

Professional ice hockey winger Thomas Vanek was born in Austria and currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League.

Vanek fractured his jaw during a February 7, 2009, game against the Ottawa Senators. He is expected to be sidelined for three-to-four weeks.ESPN.com: Sabres' Vanek Out 3-4 Weeks

Vanek was drafted fifth overall in the 2003 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He joined the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans during the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout before making his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2005. He renewed his contract with the Sabres on July 6, 2007, signing a reported seven-year $50 million contract.

• 2002: USHL All-Star Team
• 2002: USHL MVP
• 2003: WCHA All-Rookie Team
• 2003: WCHA Rookie of the Year
• 2003: NCAA Championship Tournament MVP
• 2007: NHL Plus/Minus Award

• 1999-2002: Sioux Falls Stampede, USHL
• 2002-2004: Minnesota Golden Gophers, WCHA
• 2003: Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres
• 2004-2005: Rochester Americans, AHL
• 2005-present: Buffalo Sabres