Latest On Evander Kane Trade Talks

While this weekend was interesting from a Stanley Cup playoff perspective, ears in Buffalo also perked up when Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet spoke about some rumblings he’d heard surrounding Evander Kane and the Los Angeles Kings. TSN Insider Bob McKenzie weighed in on the subject today on Montreal radio, saying that he believes “Kane will likely be traded by the Buffalo Sabres.”

McKenzie points out that Kane is on the final year of his current contract and “may not fit into the long-term vision” of Jason Botterill and the new front office. Botterill of course took over earlier this spring from the fired Tim Murray, and will likely want to put his stamp on the team as soon as possible. McKenzie also brings up Robin Lehner, who is arbitration eligible and should earn a heft contract this summer as a restricted free agent.

We’ve heard rumors surrounding Kane before, going all the way back to his Atlanta Thrasher days as a youngster. The 25-year old has tremendous goal scoring talent, but has still yet to put it all together for a truly outstanding season. This year, it took him 13 games to register his first goal before blazing through the middle of the season and finishing with 28 on the year, the second highest mark of his career. Capable of logging huge minutes and providing a physical presence, teams would covet him among the top forwards in the league if it weren’t for his inconsistency and off-ice problems.

Kane has been embroiled in several incidents involving police and other legal troubles, making him a risk to any franchise looking to add his talent on the ice. The fact that he would basically be a rental with only one year on his contract and the chance to hit the open market at just 26 next summer makes it tough to gauge the return Buffalo could be expecting. Friedman, following up on his weekend report this morning mentioned he’s heard conflicting reports on whether or not the Anaheim Ducks would be interested.