Thomas Vanek’s Thumb Looks Rough

Tuesday, I had the chance to meet Thomas Vanek at an autograph signing in Minnetonka. The newest top-six forward for the Minnesota Wild is a pretty cool guy. His thumb; however looks painful.

Standing in line like a fourteen year-old girl at a Jonas Brother’s concert, I saw Thomas Vanek saunter in to the Ridgedale Mall for an autograph signing. In a polo shirt, ball cap,  jeans, and canvas sneakers, you’d never recognize the prolific winger who calls Stillwater his home.

Mr. Vanek took the time to shake hands with every fan that came to meet him. When it was my turn, I took a quick look at his right hand, the one that recently caught the brunt of a Ryan Suter one-timer. His right thumb is swollen, bruised and has a few stitches on the tip. He shook hands softly and held a sharpie awkwardly during each signing. His autograph, though, is stellar. I love autographs.

There’s been very little mention of how the Austrian is doing in practice, although It’ll be interesting to see how he does with new linemate Charlie Coyle. Vanek has just one assit through four games with the Minnesota Wild. I think we can all agree that, so far, he’s off to a slow start. The power play, which is Vanek’s biggest draw, has looked awful. Getting the power play going should hopefully get Vanek going as well. For now, we might be able to blame some of it on a bum thumb.

The Wild take on the

Phoenix

Arizona Coyotes this evening at 7:00 central. Remember, I’ll be live at the game from my normal seats (C13 row 6) So give me a follow on Twitter for in-game tweets and look right here on Gone Puck Wild for a game recap.