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
NHL Career
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.
Career Highlights
- 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
Timeline
- 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