Vanek has had a lot of bad luck with injuries. I wonder how well he would be doing if he had not missed so much time.
He's played enough games to know what he is/what he'd do. Similar point per game, first on the team in points. I don't think his value would change much, plus his injury was primarily at the start of the season I think. After the first 7 games he missed like 10, and then maybe one other separate game.
Right now we need to hope he returns. I've been thinking a bit of past deadline deals. Andrew Ladd hauled in a first rounder + Marko Dano. He had 34 points in 55 games, less average than Vanek. Adds a physical aspect, and leadership obviously (to be fair Vanek has been a captain too). This year the only selling teams are 1) Colorado, 2) Arizona, and 3) Detroit*. Colorado's rentals are I think just Jarome Iginla, rumoured are young top six long-term options in Duchene and Landeskog. Arizona has Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata. Vrbata had some eh buzz with Vancouver which I understand. Hanzal's value is higher due to age and position .
TLDR; I think we could possibly get a first rounder plus a legit prospect for Vanek. So many contending teams. So few options. Praying for health.