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If not for move to Brooklyn, ‘good chance’ Vanek would still be with Isles

New York Islanders v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: Thomas Vanek #26 of the New York Islanders waits for a face-off against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on February 4, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

G Fiume

Not sure what Thomas Vanek has against Brooklyn, but apparently the Islanders’ decision to move there next season was a big factor in his decision to reject the “substantial” offer that was reportedly made by the club.

“It was close in February [2014] and I thought about it long and hard,” Vanek said today, per NHL.com. “There was two factors; I made a choice that I really wanted to go to free agency. But after being here for a while I loved it here.

“The one thing I didn’t like was the move to Brooklyn. I think if the rink would have been built here, it should be here on the island. There was probably a good chance I still would be here.”

Vanek, of course, eventually signed as a free agent in Minnesota, where most observers always figured he would.

But it’s interesting that he saw Brooklyn as a negative. Wasn’t the move to the new rink in the “hip” borough supposed to help the Isles recruit players, not hurt them?