Helene St. James

Detroit Free Press

Thomas Vanek is focused on the present, even as he knows that his future could face upheaval.

Vanek converted on a power play Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena as the Detroit Red Wings lost, 3-2, in overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vanek’s 13 goals and 33 points in 41 games have him at a team-best .80 points-per-game average. He’s been among their most consistent and prolific players.

It is Vanek’s productivity that intrigues as the March 1 NHL trade deadline approaches. If the Wings are out of the playoff race, Vanek could yield a good return as a rental player for a contender. Vanek, though, likes it in Detroit and hopes to force general manager Ken Holland’s hand into a stay.

“I signed a one-year deal, so it can happen,” Vanek said of a trade. “But I am focused on putting a couple more wins together and get ourselves in the picture and make it hard for Kenny to do something and hopefully stay here and make a run with this team.

“I think it’s a good team with a lot of upside. There’s a lot of young guys playing some good minutes and you can see they are getting better. Our veteran leadership is great. I like the community here. My boys, my family likes it. It’s definitely a place that’s been comfortable right away.”

Vanek, 33, signed with the Wings last summer, after being bought out by the Minnesota Wild. He has been even better than the Wings hoped he'd be for $2.6 million. He has played well at both ends of the ice, responsibly in the defensive zone and, at times, dazzling in the offensive zone.

“His offensive mind is excellent,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “The thing about Thomas is he’s not afraid to say his opinion, and I love that. Because then, through the discussion of opinions, usually, you come to the best answer. And he is also not afraid to listen and admit when there are other ways to do it better. Thomas has had a great influence on me and on this team.”

While there always is the possibility that he returns to Detroit even if he is traded, Vanek clearly would prefer not to leave. His sons -- a 9-year-old and twin 6-year-olds -- are settled in school and are playing hockey and starting baseball.

“There is nothing that I don’t like here,” Vanek said. “I like the culture, I like the community, I like the city. Everything has been a good fit.”

As a veteran, Vanek isn't likely to let the trade deadline be a distraction, but Blashill noted, “There is always a human element to this stuff that is easy to overlook. Any time any player has an unknown future in any capacity, it is hard. But I know he knows how to manage himself.”

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Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.