Latest on Evander Kane, plus updates on the Canadiens, Oilers and Kings.
Is an Evander Kane trade inevitable?
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Tim Campbell reports agent Craig Oster, who represents Jets winger Evander Kane, said the topic of a trade has been discussed several times by his client and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. “It’s something that Kevin and Evander have addressed multiple times in the past several years, and I’ll leave it at that,” Oster said. “I think in response, Evander is a Jet and will continue to be a Jet until his contract is now renewed or he’s traded.” Campbell writes that nobody has denied it, but also reports Jets sources claims the idea the two discussed a trade this season is not untrue. In the wake of the latest Kane brouhaha (“Tracksuitgate”) and his season-ending shoulder surgery, Campbell believes trading the winger is the only solution for the Jets.
WINNIPEG SUN: Ken Wiebe reports Oster also denied his client has undergone shoulder surgery to force the Jets to trade him.
Could the Sabres make a pitch for Evander Kane?
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington notes the speculation a team out of playoff contention with cap space and assets to move could make a pitch for Evander Kane, despite his season-ending surgery. He notes the Sabres fall into that category. Harrington also speculates the New York Rangers, having lost starter Henrik Lundqvist for a month to a throat injury, could have interest in Sabres goalies Jhonas Enroth or Michal Neuvirth. He also notes recent rumors about a possible trade of defenseman Tyler Myers to the Anaheim Ducks, but points out the Sabres maintain they’re not shopping Myers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I’ve noted before, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is patient to a fault, but I think it’s run out regarding Kane. While there’s concern among some Jets followers that Kane could go on to become a superstar elsewhere while the Jets won’t get fair value, it appears he’s now worn out his welcome in Winnipeg.
Cheveldayoff could be pressured to move Kane now for a deal which helps the Jets clinch a playoff berth. I think there’s a better chance of getting a fair deal in the offseason, but if the Jets slide continues (they’ve dropped five in a row now), Cheveldayoff could pull the trigger. I think he was already planning to draw upon his blueline depth to add a top-nine forward before the Kane incident. It remains to be seen if he’ll also use Kane to further bolster his lineup for the rest of this season.
If Kane does hit the trade block it’s possible the Sabres could consider him, but they must determine if he’ll be a good fit with their rebuilding team. The Sabres have a young roster and there could be concerns over Kane’s influence.
Could the Canadiens target Kane or Vermette?
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey believes the Canadiens should be wary of pursuing Winnipeg’s Evander Kane, citing the possible expensive asking price, his less-than-stellar numbers and speculation Kane’s antics contributed to a dysfunctional organization in Winnipeg.
LA PRESSE: Richard Labbe reports the Canadiens are among the clubs with interest in Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette. He notes the asking price for Vermette is believed to be a high draft pick and a prospect, pointing out GM Marc Bergevin swung a deal at last year’s deadline to land playoff rental Thomas Vanek.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane obviously won’t help the Canadiens this season. Hickey makes some worthwhile points, but I believe the biggest reason why the Habs shouldn’t pursue Kane is his antics will be toxic in a media fishbowl like Montreal. Every move and word would be headline news, providing an unnecessary distraction for the Habs. As for Vermette, he could be a good rental player for the Habs, provided the asking price isn’t ridiculous. I don’t know if Bergevin can land Vermette but I do expect him to make a move or two by the deadline.
Could the Oilers trade Fasth and re-sign Petry?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jonathan Willis wonders if there might be a trade market for Oilers goalie (and pending free agent) Viktor Fasth, whose play has improved in recent weeks under new coach Todd Nelson. Willis suggests the New York Islanders could be a destination, as backup goalie Chad Johnson has really struggled this season. Another option could be the Washington Capitals, though they’ve got Philipp Grubauer in their system. Less likely options are Tampa Bay and Minnesota.
David Staples believes if there’s any kind of reasonable deal to be had, the Oilers need to re-sign defenseman Jeff Petry, who’s a UFA in July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Willis that Fasth’s improved play could improve his trade value, and concur the Islanders would be a good destination. Indeed, it’s probably the only one. The Caps called up Grubauer for last night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks and he was solid in a 3-2 win. The Bolts have depth in promising goalies and the Wild have a log jam in their crease so rule them out. The New York Rangers are believed in the market for a short-term backup for Cam Talbot, who’s stepping into the starter’s role with Henrik Lundqvist out for a month with a throat injury. As for Petry, I think he’s a goner. I don’t believe he’s willing to re-sign with a floundering team that’s going nowhere fast.
Kings unable to make moves?
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Lisa Dillman reports uncertainty over defenseman Slava Voynov’s legal situation (he’s facing a felony domestic violence charge and slated for trial on March 2) and uncertainty over next season’s salary-cap numbers are making it difficult for the Kings to make trades leading up to the deadline.
Flyers should offer Brayden schenn right now for Kane. Jets get a top 6 forward for the playoff push and the flyers can wait until fall for any contribution.
IF Schenn is a “Top 6” F why would the Flyers want to move him?
…and before Luke and Brayden are mentioned together (because they will, they always are it seems…) with the blueline that the Jets have I dont see how thowing Luke in the deal makes it any better.
Agree, the jets don’t need Luke schenn. Flyers may have to add abit more.
No way Phi moves B. Schenn for Kane. They are essentially the same asset but Schenn can play LW or C & isn’t a freaky premadona & cancer like Kane.
B schenn is an awful left wing and a turn over machine. He will either score or turn the puck over more thinks then not. Either way Kane is a natural winger and the flyers need a legit LW to play somewhere in the line up because raffl and read aren’t top 9 on 27 other teams in this league
I don’t feel bad for the Jets or any other team that is faced with the problem. As an Islander fan we have been faced with these problems for decades. I for one hope the Isles can exploit and steal him for below market value because he would great along side JT.
If he moves you all know it will be to a team in the East. Less chances to see him through his career.
I hope Ottawa doesn’t make a move for him. I am getting tired of having trouble players on the roster. Really don’t want to deal with another Emery. The Sens have plenty of youth as it is.
Ottawa can’t make ANY move with rigor mortis setting in.
That would be good fit, but last years pick Michael del colle? might be the starting point of a discussion
I don’t expect Kane to be moved til draft day. It’s when the most teams can make offers and most will have a feel if Kane will be ready by October.
So unless some team that is out of the playoffs makes a outstanding offer with a bunch of assets that pushes the Jets to the front of the playoff line and makes them a heavy favorite, it’s safe to say the Jets will wait til the bidding gets higher and Kane’s surgery isn’t hurting his trade value as much.
I don’t see the Jets trading Kane until the draft, why limited yourself to a handful of teams that are on the outside looking in when you might get more from a team that consider themselves cup contenders next year. No team that thinks they have a shot at the playoffs this year is going to give up assets for a return that won’t help until 2015/2016.
Agree with Cap and rc, doesnt make sense, the Jets were able to put themselves in position with alot of injuries this year, I cant see any reason to make a panic deal now or leading up to the deadline. Even if they did miss the playoffs its for the best interest of the club to get the best deal and that will come in the summer.
I’m not so sure better deals will come in the summer for Kane unless he plays before the end of the season somehow or in the playoffs. His value is what it is and he needs to play and play well to increase it. Jets are trying to make the playoffs so waiting to trade him could hurt them in two ways. 1) they might get an asset or two that can play for them right now instead of having none with Kane on LTIR. 2) This media circus around their team about Kane won’t go away until the deadline is passed and maybe longer which could be a distraction to the team while they try to make the playoffs.
I’m not saying they should just dump him for anything but if they can get something that helps them now with some futures, they probably should strongly consider it so they can move on and focus on making the playoffs instead of questions about Kane.
I see what you are saying, I just think if a team that realistically isnt likely to make the playoffs like the Sabres or a team like that is willing to give up some pieces, that may help now, their offer is going to be atleast as good in the summer and teams that mske it but go out early will probably give up quite a bit more then, which in the long run is far better for the Jets.
The Jets are a good team butwhat they will get for Kane at this point froma non playoff team is not going to suddenly make them a contender, imo you have to look more long term when making a deal with a trade chip like Kane.
They likely won’t be getting a player equal to Kane no matter what in terms of skills for right now but anything they get will in a way be an upgrade because Kane won’t be playing for them this season. Let say for example (not saying either team would make that trade) Detroit offered Weiss, Pulkkinen and a pick(s) for Kane. They would get Weiss for their playoff push, Pulkkinen can play in the NHL right now or next year and a pick that also helps for their future. Again I’m not saying either team would make this deal but this type of deal could help them now and the future. I also think this is the type of deal they will likely have to take this summer anyways…kind of like what Boston got for Seguin and what most teams trying to deal a good player want (roster player, prospect and a pick).
My only hope is for some monumental global scandal to occur somewhere with a catchy-sounding name, so we can stop calling everything bad in the world that happens something”-gate”.
I am not the only one then…thank you.
Amen!
Oh how I wish!! But with just about every media outlet chomping at the bit to get hold of some juicy scandal or similar story and tag it with “gate” – don’t hold your breath.
I concur. However, if we keep this up, it might start being called “Gate-gate” and nobody wants that.
As for Kane, I would love to see B. Schenn in Winnipeg and Snyder may press for it, but the Jets would likely need more than that and Luke is not the answer; the Jets may want to unload a defenseman as well, so there may need to be more. I suspect a prospect like Gostisbehere is not an option but who else would the Flyers part with? Hextall may be patient but I suspect Snyder is not. As long as the Leafs and Oilers stay away from Kane, I’m happy.
Petry isn’t resigning with Edm. He’s going to take his opportunity as a UFA to get out of that gong show.
What’s all the fuss over Kane for? The guy is a 50 pt winger when healthy, which is very rare, and he has a $5+ cap hit?
If he was a Leaf people would be saying he’s unmoveable. Jets would be very lucky to get a 2nd and a prospect for the punk.
lol Leafs have a couple 5 million dollar wingers who will never see 50 points again…thats what makes them next to impossible to move. Thats the difference.
I see a trade like E.Kane for Yakupov making sense. Both players have lots to prove and upside. The jets are looking for a hockey trade, similar to the Shanahan for Pronger one way back when between STL and Hartford, but to a lesser extent.
If a 36 year-old wing-nut like Matt Cooke can wangle a 2-year $2.5 mil deal from Minnesota, then a 23-year-old winger who IS capable of putting up 30 goals and over 50 pts won’t have trouble securing a deal somewhere. Even at $5 mil plus.
Kane is 24 and a 4th overall pick. Push him to Carolina for Skinner, Sekera ,and a 2nd this year. Throw in Postma and a mid round. Bob’s (Mckenzie) your Uncle and Move on to a play-off focus.
Kane for Skinner straight up. Skinner was Rookie of Year and and a #6 (or 7) overall pick. Both have similar injury history and cap hits. Both are wearing out welcome where they are.
I agree that a team like Carolina would be the best fit for Kane. A team on the rebuild could build around a guy like that. Too much attention in a market like Toronto or Mtl. I doubt Skinner is part of any deal though. He’s a concussion away from calling it a career. I don’t think Carolina could get much for him now. Great hands on that kid. A shame he’s gotten his bell rung so many times.
Talbot is just fine as our number 1 goalie for 3 weeks. Don’t need to be wasting draft picks on a backup goalie
Kane is a punk. Good to see the coward took the easy way out to screw the jets by getting a shoulder surgery.
Lupal and a 4th round pick for Kane.
Both players have same term and same contract. Kane has more upsides, lupal has more raw point production. Kane is a cancer, leafs give up 4th to compensate for upside. Let the tanking continue for the leafs
he’d fold under media / fans pressure, worse than in Winny
Not as bad as Lupuls delicate physique would fold playing that mich in the Western conference. Good player when he is healthy but not sure he would be something that Id be interested in if I was a GM out west.
Kane’s talent would be much needed in Vancouver but the other other baggage is just immaturity at this stage in his career.
Look at your own kids at that age folks, have they not done stupid things?
If Benning can pull off something to have him come to Vancouver, Wow!
Mike Gillis ruined the Canucks by trading away all their draft picks over the years.
Wait and See.
Think people have to learn to let go of the idea that players would have become all stars no matter what system they’re in and that if you trade a potential all star, you lose value.
Kane doesn’t work in Winnipeg; he might work elsewhere. Everyone’s psychology is different. Fair value for Kane is pretty much anything, because you’re trading a third liner. That’s what he IS. That’s what he always WILL BE whilst in Winnipeg. If he gets traded to Montreal or Detroit and scores 40 goals a season, Winnipeg still traded a THIRD LINER and that’s his value.
Smart GMs know the difference… so ideally, you trade Kane for another unproven player who might strive in your system, or some roster players that’ll help you become a tough team to play against. You’re not losing the trade if you get two third liners for the price of one.
i like Chevy as i grew up watching him play on the Wheat Kings and i think he’s underrated as a GM. good drafts good longterm contracts that at first looked a bit high in money but look pretty good now (other than Pavelec extension) he just obviously doesn’t like to make trades can be extremely frustrating but i think he knows what he’s doing loaded with prospects too especially in net anyway he probably waited too long to move Kane and he will be lucky to get a player like B Schenn for him now. i could see a couple mid level prospects and a 2nd. hope they make the playoffs anyone think a Kane for Skinner deal makes any sense?
Loved Chevy as a Wheatie, too (I’m born and raised in Brandon) but while patience is an underrated skill in GMs, sometimes a move must be made, especially with the team on the doorstep. This appears to be a golden opportunity to acquire a piece to make a big push and you know what, I don’t mind the idea of Skinner at all. There isn’t enough raw skill on the Jets roster and he would certainly be an improvement. Straight up? Perhaps… maybe parting with a d-man and and a pick to get Sekeras as well. Some argue Kane is unproven and that’s true but then, Seguin was a similar situation. I believe Kane is a step down from Seguin obviously but in terms of ability, Kane for Skinner is fairly close in my estimation. Someone will “win” and someone will “lose” in virtually any trade (in my opinion, the best trade ever made for both teams was Jarome Iginla for Joe Nieuwendyk) but sometimes you have to take a chance. This is the perfect opportunity for Chevy to make his mark but I’m certain he will give it the due time it requires. In my eyes, that’s a smart GM. I just hope Winnipeg’s scouts give him the information on potential acquisitions that he needs…
Any one know if Kane has a NTC ? I miss Capgeek 🙁
I think the have should go after lupul him and patch’s on the top line would b pretty dangerous
interesting toronto/nashville trade article:
http://thehockeywriters.com/leafs-predators-trade-coming/
habs only need some size upfront and maybe a hard hitting defenseman
as I have stated before Zack Kassian for Jared |Tinordi makes sense for both maybe ever Patrice Cormier for one of the habs prospects
leafs could trade for E Kane now and give up a player like Kadri or Lupul and finish in the bottom 3 giving them a better chance at McDavid
Kane had issues in ATL which have followed him to WPG. He is a talented player, but I would pass if I were in rebuild mode like the Sabres. Kane has the talent to succeed in on other teams, just not the head to be successful.
You do know the Atlanta team moved to Winnipeg right? Same team.
Gary – please read – issued started in ATL and followed him to WPG.
Despite his behavioral problems, Kane will bring the Jets a return far more handsome than even his obvious hockey skills deserve. That’s because Kane also has excellent pugilistic skills, and NHL teams, at least covertly, love to have a guy who can intimidate but still play the game. He could help, let’s say, Crosby like McSorley helped Gretzky. The downside is that any GM that trades for Kane will also have to obtain Dustin Byfuglien, since he is one of only a few who can stop Kane from antagonizing guys on his own team.