The New York Islanders will get their blockbuster trade acquisition tonight.
Thomas Vanek, who missed the last five games with an upper-body muscle strain, will rejoin the group for tonight’s game against the Penguins at Consol, according to Newsday.
Vanek, acquired in late October in exchange for Matt Moulson and a pair of high picks, has gotten off to a slow start on Long Island. He has just one goal and three points through six games, though it should be noted it’s really only five games as Vanek was hurt just 30 seconds into a Nov. 9 loss to Columbus, and didn’t return.
The Isles have won twice in their last eight games and are looking to rebound from Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Leafs.
UPDATE
The Isles will also put Michael Grabner back in the lineup tonight after he was made a healthy scratch for the aforementioned loss to Toronto.