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University of Minnesota forward Thomas Vanek, a three-year veteran of the United States Hockey League with Sioux Falls, was selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the opening round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft this afternoon. … [Read more...] about Sabres select Vanek fifth overall

'He will meet with the Sabres' front office in the coming weeks to determine when he will turn professional, although the allure of more playing time and a shot at an NCAA three-peat with Minnesota is strong.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get Vanek with fifth pick

'Although just 19 years old, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Vanek was described by hockey analysts on ESPN2 as the best pure goal-scorer in the draft and one of few guys in the top five picks who is ready to play in the NHL next year.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo takes Vanek with fifth overall pick

'Beginning with Jan Hejda, taken 106th overall, the Sabres concluded the draft by selecting five defensemen with their final seven picks.' … [Read more...] about Sabres turn to defense in Day 2 of NHL draft

'"I won a championship there already and hopefully there is more to come," Vanek said. "I'm happy to be in Buffalo."' … [Read more...] about Vanek has chance to return to Buffalo

'"I'll have to sit down with the organization and the coaches in Minnesota and make the best decision for me. We have to decide if the minor leagues or college hockey is better for me."' … [Read more...] about Sabres push the Vanek button

'Scouts say Vanek can look disinterested for half the game and then just take it over with his skill. Where have we seen that before? Can anybody say Gil Perreault?' … [Read more...] about A Former Sabres Coach Dies. Buffalo Drafts An Offensive Threat

'The Sabres rounded out the day by selecting Slovakian forward Branislav Fabry with the 65th pick and center Clarke MacArthur, who played for Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League last year, at 74th.' … [Read more...] about Sabres take flashy Vanek with No. 5 pick in NHL Draft

'Vanek said he would have to be offered "maximum money" and the chance to play at the NHL level to sign quickly. Thompson, who also is the Wild's chief amateur scout, views him as a gifted player with room for growth. "There's not many people anywhere in the draft that have his qualities as an offensive player," he said. "I think he can … [Read more...] about Vanek, Parise appear likely to stay in school after draft

'With new owner Tom Golisano on the podium, Buffalo took the third-ranked North American prospect, although Vanek hails from Austria.' … [Read more...] about Sabres get Austrian LW Vanek with fifth pick

'"Buffalo's the only team that came with a lot of guys to Minneapolis," Vanek said. "We just did some testing and talking, and then I haven't heard from them since. I did most of my (other) meetings in Nashville."' … [Read more...] about Draft leaves top prospects in a stew

'Managing partner Larry Quinn said it is "very unlikely" the team will exercise the $1 million buyout of its contract with Adelphia and remove the games from the Empire Sports Network in favor of another carrier.' … [Read more...] about WNSA chooses to air symposium over milestone

'''In comparison to last year, we have a budget and we have an expectation to make the playoffs next year,'' Regier said. ''And when you go in there with those expectations it gives you a sense of where you have to go, where you can go and where you can't.''' … [Read more...] about NHL Draft presents Regier fresh start to rebuild Sabres

'If the Sabres don't trade the fifth pick, they might select Thomas Vanek, the dazzling forward who guided Minnesota to the NCAA title two months ago in HSBC Arena.' … [Read more...] about Sabres may be set for more than just picking

'Of the team's five No. 1 picks since 1999, one player has been traded and two have not developed.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres draft needs and recent draft history