Big Predictions For Former Herd Player Thomas Vanek

A little more than a decade ago, Thomas Vanek was setting records as a member of the Sioux Falls Stampede.  In fact he's still all over the Herd's record book today:

Most Goals in a Season
46 (Thomas Vanek, 2001 - 2002)
Most Goals in a Career
80 (Thomas Vanek)
Most Goals in a Game:
4: Thomas Vanek (October 17th, 2001 vs Sioux City)
Most Points in a Season
91 (Thomas Vanek, 2001 - 2002)
Most Points in a Career
153 (Thomas Vanek)

After leaving Sioux Falls, the native of Austria took his talents to the University of Minnesota, where he led the Gophers to a National Championship in 2003, picking up MVP honors in the process. That stellar college career helped propel him to the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft.

By 2005, Vanek was playing with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.  Now in his 8th season in Buffalo, the 2009 All-Star is getting some high praise from Dobber Hockey/Puck Daddy at Yahoo Sports:

Two things are clear.

One, this guy always gets off to hot starts (he had 39 points in 38 games to start last campaign).

Two, he is clicking with his linemates. In a shortened season, this could be a huge one.

The one thing still alluding Vanek is a Stanley Cup championship.  Maybe this will be the year.