{"playerId":686,"percentChange":0,"averageDraftPosition":93.6,"percentOwned":99.1,"playerRaterSEASON":8.9,"playerRater7DAY":6.9,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"Vanek, who has one year left on a seven-year, $50 million deal, isn't sure if he fits into the team's long-term plans, The Buffalo News reports. Said the winger Saturday: \"Let's be honest. I'm not stupid. I know I have a year left and they can probably deal me for prospects, young guys, whatever else is out there. Yeah, I've thought about it. If it looks like it's a long rebuild, then it probably makes sense for both parties to move on.\"","spin":"The Sabres would probably love to have their best skater back under the right circumstances, but the offseason will determine whether the team has a plan to bring in a few veterans to mix with all its young talent and remain competitive, or if it's time for a total rebuild following several disappointing seasons. If it's the later, Vanek and goaltender Ryan Miller would seem to be prime candidates to be moved. Vanek has spent his entire eight-year career in Buffalo, and currently has 250 goals and 488 points on his resume. Consider him a 50-50 proposition for now to remain a Sabre. If he were to get dealt, there would certainly be high interest for a player of Vanek's caliber, plus he still hasn't turned 30 yet.","date":"Sun Apr 28"},"fullName":"Thomas Vanek","seasonOutlook":{"outlook":"The largest threat to Vanek not returning to an elite goal scorer is his role on the Buffalo Sabres' offense. The team has many, many forwards vying for scoring-line roles and Vanek was not on what turned out to be the top line last season. As a second-line player, Vanek cannot hope to be a near-point-per-game player, so fantasy owners would be wise not to be too hasty to pick him up in fantasy drafts. The tide seems to be turning toward the youth for the Sabres, and Vanek, though only 28, may be pushed down the depth chart. All that said, Vanek is a true sniper around the net and can battle down low on the forecheck with the best of NHL defenders. All he needs is ice time and linemates to work with to become a star again.","seasonId":2013,"date":"Thu Jan 10"},"playerRater30DAY":3.1,"playerRater15DAY":8.5,"positionRank":15}