NHL Player Thomas Vanek Tied to Gambling Investigation

(CSNPhilly.com/Associated Press) - Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek has been connected to a federal gambling investigation, according to Rochester's News10NBC (via ProHockeyTalk).

Vanek on Monday was spotted heading into a federal court building in downtown Rochester with his lawyer voluntarily. No charges were filed against the 30-year-old. He spent eight years with the Buffalo Sabres and one season with the Rochester Americans in 2004-05.

"Representatives of the U.S. Federal Government have asked for my cooperation in an investigation," Steve Bartlett, Vanek's agent, said in a statement on behalf of his client. "I am not the subject of any investigation or prosecution. I will fully cooperate with the U.S. Federal authorities in their investigation or in any proceedings arising out of it."

The investigation relates to the Marina Restaurant and Bar in Charlotte where three men, including the co-owners of the New York-based restaurant, Paul Borrelli and Joseph Ruff, are facing over 20 counts of illegal gambling charges.

Vanek spent the majority of last season split between the New York Islanders and the Montreal Canadiens after a trade sent him to Long Island early in the season from the Sabres. An unrestricted free agent, Vanek signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Wild on July 1.

- CSNPhilly.com