Canadiens' Vanek reflects on his brief stint with the Islanders

In advance of Thomas Vanek's first game against the New York Islanders since being traded to the Montreal Canadiens prior to the NHL's trade deadline, the 30-year-old forward - who turned down a seven-year, $50-million offer from the Islanders in mid-January - still believes things could have worked out in Long Island if things had transpired differently.

"Maybe if [John Tavares] didn't get hurt or we were closer, maybe there was a chance I would have stayed, which would have been fun too," he told Arthur Staple of Newsday. "It's not great switching teams, even though I'm enjoying myself here and overall it's been a good fit.

Vanek added he feels the Islanders have a bright future ahead of them: "when I look at the roster, [Tavares] will be back next year, I think Stromie [Ryan Strome] will be one of the best centers in a few years, Frans [Nielsen] is a great center. Down the middle, that team is positioned well for the future, which is the hardest position. If you're strong up the middle, you can contend, and they have that."

While Vanek admits the leaking of the contract offer from the Islanders was "awkward" and that it "bugged" him, he hasn't ruled out considering the team when he hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent in July. For now, however, his goal is to "finish out the year good and make a run."

Vanek has registered six goals and nine assists in 16 games with the Canadiens, after scoring 17 goals and adding 27 assists in 47 games with the Islanders.