We’ve heard speculation and rumor on the Buffalo Sabres’ asking price for Evander Kane in trade, but now Pierre LeBrun definitively reports on TSN’s Insider Trading that the team is looking for a first-round pick, prospect and a conditional pick based on whether Kane re-signs with the acquiring team. Of course, this is the value of Kane “if the Sabres have their way” as LeBrun puts it, not necessarily what they’ll actually receive for the talented winger when (and if) they eventually do move him.
There will surely be several teams eventually willing to meet that price for the 26-year old, especially ones that are certain to make the playoffs and won’t be risking a potential lottery pick. Teams that want an extra push for the postseason could do worse than a power forward well on his way to another 30-goal season.
Kane is a lightning rod for criticism thanks to his previous off-ice incidents, but has flown relatively under the radar this season in terms of questionable comments or actions. Though any acquiring team wouldn’t be able to completely discount his past, there has been interest from around the league for some time. LeBrun believes that some teams that could be willing to meet that price haven’t completely decided whether they’ll buy or sell at the deadline yet, and will have to wait another few weeks.
For pure rentals this year, Kane seems like the top option on the market so far. Whether he’d be open to an extension with his acquiring team is unclear, but he also could head into the summer as the top free agent available. That would result in quite the haul financially, though other scoring wingers like James Neal and James van Riemsdyk could seem like more palatable moves for the more risk-averse clubs around the league should they also make it to free agency.
I would rather Neal of JVR in a heartbeat over Kane
Most teams probably would too, but neither Vegas nor Toronto have made it clear that either is available. I don’t see Neal being moved at this point unless the offer is too good to pass up. Considering Neal’s value is probably a late first or second round pick plus a mid-level prospect or just one higher level prospect (and no pick or a late round pick), an offer too good to pass up would probably be around the price of Kane. JVR is probably in the same boat as Neal. Toronto doesn’t need to trade him away since they’re in a playoff spot but he’s also probably going to walk at the end of the year. I could see Toronto moving him though just to get something for him if they feel they have someone who can replace JVR’s minutes.
A pittance for a man who plays with passion and skill. I hope Buffalo resigns him and makes him Player/Coach!!!
Bring Kane to Boston!