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?
Vanek continued: "As far as family wise, I think it would tough for my kids and my wife to go to Brooklyn on game days."
— Christian Arnold (@C_Arnold01) March 24, 2015