from Arthur Staple of Newsday,

It appears that Thomas Vanek's stay with the Islanders likely will not last beyond the March 5 trade deadline.

NHL sources told Newsday that Vanek, acquired from the Sabres on Oct. 27, turned down a substantial contract offer from the Isles and that general manager Garth Snow is fielding offers for the 30-year-old wing.

The offer is believed to be in the same range as Vanek's current seven-year, $50 million deal. That contract expires on June 30.

Steve Bartlett, Vanek's agent, told Newsday on Monday morning that he and Snow have not talked in the past several days. Bartlett said Vanek has not closed the door on the Islanders but added that his client "has no real deadline" to let the team know he intends to go to unrestricted free agency on July 1.

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