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Montreal wins Vanek sweepstakes (Updated)

New York Islanders v Colorado Avalanche

at Pepsi Center on January 10, 2014 in Denver, Colorado.

Doug Pensinger

The Montreal Canadiens have emerged the victor in the Thomas Vanek sweepstakes, acquiring the Islanders winger in exchange for second-round pick in ’14 and prospect Sebastian Collberg, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

Update: The Habs also receive a conditional fifth-round pick from the Islanders.

Update 2: More on the conditions of the draft picks in play, per ESPN...

Condition on picks in Vanek deal: Habs have to make the playoffs for picks to exchange hands

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 5, 2014


Initial reactions to the deal haven’t been stellar, as Isles GM Garth Snow paid a small bounty to acquire Vanek in the first place: Matt Moulson, a ’14 first-rounder and a ’15 second-rounder.

In return, the Isles are now (probably) getting a second-rounder in this year’s draft and Collberg, a second-round pick himself -- 33rd overall at the ’12 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Swede currently plays for Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League, and has represented Team Sweden at the last thee World Junior tournaments (where he’s won gold and a pair of silver medals.)

A few reactions to pass your way...

Turns out it was Moulson, 1st and 2d for 47 games of Vanek, a 2d and a prospect...Something ventured, nothing gained for the NYI.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) March 5, 2014


I feel like if the Islanders really work at this, eventually the return on the Moulson-Vanek deal will amount to a paper clip.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) March 5, 2014


From the Montreal perspective, this deal has to be seen as a win. The club added a high-impact, goalscoring forward without surrendering a first-round pick or roster player.

Vanek has 21 goals and 53 points in 60 games this year -- he’ll bolster an already good offensive team that has eight 10-goal scorers at forward (led by Max Pacioretty, who has 29).