3 teams that should sign Thomas Vanek

By all rights, Thomas Vanek should be signed by now.

And yet, as August approaches, and despite a solid bounce-back season that should have earned him a measure of job security, the 33-year-old winger remains without a contract for 2017-18.

After being bought out by the Minnesota Wild last summer, Vanek signed a one-year, $2.6-million contract with the Detroit Red Wings, for whom he registered 15 goals and 23 assists in 48 games.

Vanek was flipped to the Florida Panthers prior to the trade deadline, and added two goals and eight assists in 20 games to his point total. Overall, his 48 points in 68 games last season ranks him first among all remaining unrestricted free agents.

Clearly he still has some gas left in the tank, and what he lacks in speed, he makes up for in net-front presence, deft passing, and sharp shooting.

Here, then, are three teams that should not let him remain unemployed.

San Jose Sharks

Patrick Marleau's departure left a hole in the Sharks' lineup that could be handily filled by a dexterous winger like Vanek.

While playing for a pair of non-playoff teams last season, Vanek recorded two more points than Marleau, and in 14 fewer games played. And over the course of their respective careers, Vanek has, on average, outproduced the former Shark.

Vanek will no doubt come much cheaper than the $6.25-million cap hit Marleau will carry with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the next three seasons, and could be equally, if not more, effective on the ice.

Montreal Canadiens

Vanek's previous run with the Canadiens was brief but effective.

Traded to Montreal by the New York Islanders prior to the 2014 deadline, Vanek scored six goals and added nine assists in 18 regular-season games, and contributed five goals and five assists in 17 playoff appearances for the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.

Much like in San Jose, a roster spot opened up after Alexander Radulov decided to move to Dallas, and Vanek's 0.71 points per game average last season matched that of the Russian, who's only 2.5 years younger.

Radulov will make Marleau money with the Stars, and could be replaced on the cheap with a player who's proven to be able to succeed on one of hockey's biggest stages.

Sure, the Canadiens did add Ales Hemsky on a low-risk deal earlier this summer, but could further shore up the forward ranks with a familiar face.

Nasvhille Predators

Still yet to re-sign top center Ryan Johansen, the Western Conference champion Nashville Predators have worked their cap situation to perfection, with over $13.4 million in available funds to strengthen a fairly complete roster.

Scott Hartnell was signed to a one-year deal worth $1 million, but he managed only 37 points in 78 games last season. Vanek is younger and better, and after coming so close to winning the Stanley Cup, the time is now for Nashville to add as many contributing pieces as possible.

The Predators' injury issues during this year's playoff run proved the team could use some depth, and Vanek's veteran experience, and more importantly, his skill set, could help ensure a return to the Stanley Cup Final and hopefully a win next time around.

Wherever Vanek signs, he's no doubt been on the market for too long.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)