The Buffalo Sabres currently have the most sought after trade bait in the NHL. The Sabres currently sit with a record of 5-9-4 (14 pts) which is dead last in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. With another season all but out of reach, it may be time for the Sabres to cash in their asset. The biggest asset is 26 year-old Evander Kane. Kane is off to a great start, he has 10 goals, 8 assists for 18 points in 18 games. He is flat out flying.
The often troubled Kane is in the final year of his contract that pays him $5,250,000 per season. It is yet to be determined what he will be asking for this summer. If his points continue like this, they have he will be asking for the world. One knock against him is his constant off-ice issues. Issues that Winnipeg and many other teams did not feel out weighed his worth on the ice. I have a big feeling that there is more than one general manager that would overlook that right now. Funny how a point a game changes that.
So who would be interested in Kane? Three Western Conference teams stand out. The St. Louis would probably be the front runner. The Blues are off to a great start, and this may just be the season for a huge Stanley Cup run in St. Louis. Adding Kane to the Blues top six would be amazing. Vladimir Tarasenko, Jaden Schwartz, Paul Stastny, Alex Steen, and Brayden Schenn would benefit with the addition of Kane. Now that is a strong top six.
Edmonton is looking for scoring depth and Kane would be a great fit. Evander Kane would really compliment Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic would really benefit with the scoring ability of Kane next to them on the wing. Kane would drastically improve the lines speed and scoring ability.
Would a trade with Buffalo for Kane solve the Sam Bennett issue in Calgary? Kane brings a lot to the table, but I am not sure that Calgary is willing to give up on the former first rounder in Bennett. Lots of talk that Calgary has interest in Kane, and that Calgary may just have some pieces that the Sabres would be interested in. One thing Calgary does not have is draft picks to offer.
I see St. Louis as the most likely landing spot for Kane. The asking price is probably very high, and if his play continues at this rate his stock will only rise. Should the Sabres cut ties now or see how his value is come trade deadline day in February?
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.