On the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, the panel—Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie—discuss several interesting rumors around the league including Evander Kane. LeBrun reports that the Buffalo Sabres have started telling teams that they would be willing to retain part of Kane’s $5.25MM cap hit in a potential trade, though the insider is quick to point out that any deal is still likely six or seven weeks away if it even happens at all.
Kane is a pending unrestricted free agent, and despite his strong play the Sabres find themselves near the bottom of the standings once again. While there has been rumblings that perhaps the team would consider a long-term extension, if the player isn’t willing to sign it before the trade deadline there probably has to be a trade of some sort. Kane does not have any trade protection on his current deal—which pays him $6MM this year in actual salary—and could be used as one of the very best chips at the deadline.
The 26-year old already has 12 goals and 23 points on the season, a 75-point pace that would easily eclipse his career high to this point. He’s found a nice chemistry with Jack Eichel, but may be more interested in what he can get on the open market as one of the very best free agents available next summer. If he does make it all the way there without incident, he would presumably—despite what Dreger has heard to this point—command a seven-year deal at an impressive salary. 30-goal players in the prime of their careers don’t hit the open market very often.
I see the Islanders making a play to acquire him. It’s a typical Garth Snow move and could be a real weapon on Tavares’ wing, albeit shortsighted, but they have the prospects to get it done.
HoSang-Pulock and a pick should get it done
Why would they trade for a forward? Their top line has been absolute money – how do you take Lee or Bailey off of that line with the way they’ve meshed and scored? The islanders have the 2nd most goals in the league. They need D help 1000x more than they need a rental winger.
Hey Ryan, just about every team in the league, if they had the chance, would trade for a player in their prime with the talent that Kane has. It may not be the smartest move but so many teams would take that chance.
I’m not necessarily saying it’s the smartest move (to your point), but I could see it being a Garth Snow move.
Nicely said, RealHal. Garth Snow is known to make these types of trades with most of them working out for him.