Thomas Vanek Trade: Garth Snow speaks on big Islanders move

After his bombshell trade of Matt Moulson and picks for Thomas Vanek, New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow spoke via press conference this morning. The Islanders streamed the presser (so presumably it will be archived for later viewing if you missed it).

Not much new from what was reported last night, but here are a few highlights via notes and tweets...

[UPDATE: Garth Snow will be on SiriusXM at 3 p.m. and HNIC radio at 3:45 EDT today.]

On Vanek, who Snow called an elite winger, powerful skater, high-end talent

"We know we're getting a high-character person ... we're excited he's in our locker room."

Moulson too is a high-character person. But this comment was in the context of Vanek being Buffalo's co-captain. (Amusing aside: The other co-captain in Buffalo is a character alright...)

What about John?

Some figured there's no way the Isles traded John Tavares' friend and longtime linemate without consulting him. Snow said that's not the case; he had not discussed the deal with Tavares.

How the deal was done

Snow confirmed reports last night that the deal had been in the works for a while. This morning he said months. Also:

Snow said he hasn't had conversations with Vanek's agent as to whether they will negotiate during season. Focus was simply acquiring him.

— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) October 28, 2013

However, Snow offered that the Islanders have had better success signing players who came in and got to know the organization and area first.

On why the deal was made

"We haven't been good enough. We're .500 right now and our expectation is to be higher than that."

This is true. Whether the Moulson-for-Vanek swap addresses that is the hot topic among Isles fans and around the league this morning.

In the end though, this is Snow's view, via Daily News reporter Stephen Lorenzo:

Snow: "We're a better team today than we were yesterday." #Isles

— Stephen (@StephenCLorenzo) October 28, 2013

To be determined. On that note...

'BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DEFENSE/GOALIE/SOMETHING?!' --Internet

Snow gave his standard response here: That they're always investigating ways to improve the team.

Vanek Says Goodbye

Finally, Thomas Vanek chimed in on the insta-media of our time, Twitter:

Thank you Buffalo! I really enjoyed my time here, my wife and I got to raise our family in a great community.. Excited to join @NYIslanders

— Thomas Vanek (@T_Vanek26) October 28, 2013

More from Lighthouse Hockey:

• Thomas Vanek Trade: Matt Moulson sounds dumped, because he kind of was
• Matt Moulson-Thomas Vanek Trade Made without Contract Extension Talks
• No Pizza For Spicoli: Saying Goodbye to Matt Moulson
• NHL Suspension Puzzle: Zdeno Chara is a star, Michael Grabner is an Islander
• Rick DiPietro Signs with Carolina (Well, their AHL Checkers. On a PTO.)