Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek is an Austrian left winger on the Buffalo Sabres.

Vanek was drafted by Buffalo, 5th overall in 2003, making him the highest drafted Austrian in NHL history. Vanek was raised in the US, playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota and winning the NCAA championship in 2003. He joined the Sabres after the lockout and was an immediate contributor, finishing his rookie season with 25 goals, 48 points and 72 penalty minutes. His best season to date was in ’06-07, when he scored 43 goals and 84 points.

He plays for Team Austria internationally, and helped the team reach the 2004 World Championships.