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The Buffalo Sabres have had initial talks with Thomas Vanek in an attempt to sign the college forward who just completed his sophomore season at Minnesota.
Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told The Associated Press that he has contacted Vanek's advisers, opening negotiations on what he termed, ''a preliminary basis.'' Regier added that he believes Vanek, whom the Sabres selected fifth overall in the 2003 draft, is ready to take the next step and forgo his final two years of college eligibility.
''I think you can always accomplish more no matter where you are. But I think there's another question and that's: 'Is there another step he's ready to make?''' Regier said. ''And certainly I think he's ready to play at the American Hockey League level and maybe even at the National Hockey League level.''
Regier said a potential roadblock in talks could involve the terms of the contract and how it might fit under a new NHL collective bargaining agreement after the current one expires on Sept. 15.
Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told The Associated Press that he has contacted Vanek's advisers, opening negotiations on what he termed, ''a preliminary basis.'' Regier added that he believes Vanek, whom the Sabres selected fifth overall in the 2003 draft, is ready to take the next step and forgo his final two years of college eligibility.
''I think you can always accomplish more no matter where you are. But I think there's another question and that's: 'Is there another step he's ready to make?''' Regier said. ''And certainly I think he's ready to play at the American Hockey League level and maybe even at the National Hockey League level.''
Regier said a potential roadblock in talks could involve the terms of the contract and how it might fit under a new NHL collective bargaining agreement after the current one expires on Sept. 15.
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