Vanek will scout the Minnesota region for the Sharks. As a player, Vanek played in 14 NHL seasons for the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets. He appeared in 1,029 NHL games, scoring 789 points (373 goals, 416 points), and was a two-time 40-goal scorer while with the Sabres for nine years. He led the league in power-play goals in 2008-09 and was named to the NHL's Second All-Star team in 2006-07 and also played in the NHL All-Star game in 2009. He ranks fifth all-time in Buffalo's franchise history in goals (254). Prior to his professional career, he helped Minnesota win the NCAA National Championship in 2003, was named to the All-Tournament Team and scored what stood as the game-winning goal in a 5-1 victory in the title game. He was selected as the tournament's most outstanding player. After his retirement following the 2018-19 season, Vanek has also served as an assistant coach for Stillwater High at the USHS level.