BUFFALO – It’s just temporary for now. Thomas Vanek’s contract with the Graz 99ers, a team in the winger’s native Austria, only runs until Nov. 4.
Nonetheless, Vanek’s decision to return home during the lockout is already a big deal. He’s the first Austrian NHL player to sign a deal there.
The Sabres star, a sporting icon in Austria, has never played professionally in his country.
“This is just huge,” said Chris Schleifer, the online ... Read the full article