Report: Wild's Vanek connected to federal gambling investigation

Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek voluntarily appeared at a federal court building in upstate New York on Monday, and is believed to be connected to an ongoing federal gambling investigation, according to WHEC Rochester.

A law enforcement source tells News10NBC that former Amerk and Buffalo Sabres star Thomas Vanek is connected to the investigation tied to the Marina Restaurant and Bar in Charlotte ... Thomas Vanek is not charged with any crime and he voluntarily came to the federal court building with his lawyer. But law enforcement sources say he's connected to that gambling investigation. 

Vanek's agent, Steve Bartlett, issued the following statement on his behalf:

Representatives of the U.S. Federal Government have asked for my cooperation in an investigation. 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.

Bartlett added Vanek is simply a witness in a federal case; "he is not under suspicion", nor has he done anything wrong.

Earlier this summer, three men were indicted on gambling and money laundering charges, with the Marina Bar named as a meeting place for cash payments and drop-offs.

Interestingly, former Sabres teammate Nathan Paetsch is described here as being involved in a partnership that owned the Marina Restaurant and Bar.

Stay tuned. We're betting there's more to come in this story.

[H/T Pro Hockey Talk]