After being pulled for pending trade, Vitek Vanecek finally knows where he’s getting moved!

On Tuesday night, the San Jose Sharks held their goaltender Vitek Vanecek out of the lineup against the Buffalo Sabres, citing “trade purposes.”

The goalie is in the final year of a three year deal that pays him $3.4 million per season and the Sharks are unable to retain any salary on a potential trade, but it looks almost certain that Vanecek will be moved before Friday.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, it sounds like he could be headed down to Florida, as the Panthers and Sharks are discussing a deal.

“Hearing Florida and San Jose are discussing a Vitek Vanecek deal.

“Vanecek backed up last night to avoid injury. Panthers looked to add a goalie following the Spencer Knight trade.”

TRADE DETAILS :

Friedman added moments later, thanks to Tim Reynolds, that indeed, Vanecek is being moved to Florida, in return for Patrick Giles, who played 9 games for the Panthers this season and is currently on their AHL roster in Charlotte. 

Unfortunately for Vanecek, he hasn’t been great for the Sharks this season, with just three wins in 18 starts and a dreadful .882 save percentage. Obviously, his stats are probably deflated by the fact that he plays for one of the worst teams in the NHL. He could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere and what better place than with the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Vanecek makes sense for the Panthers as a back up for Sergei Bobrosvky, following the Seth Jones / Spencer Knight trade.
I guess, especially with Friedman reporting the latest update, the move will come soon enough.