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Best fit for Evander Kane?

December 14, 2017, 1:26 PM ET [28 Comments]
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With the Buffalo Sabres sitting in 30th place, and a steady stream or trade rumors, it seems like a near-certainty they'll trade pending UFA Evander Kane prior to the trade deadline.

In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which team(s) would be the fit for Kane should the Sabres move him.

Todd Cordell

I think St. Louis would be a really nice fit.

They're an excellent team but I think they could use a little more pop offensively. With all due respect to Vladimir Sobotka, he's probably not a guy you want in the top-6 on a permanent basis if you're trying to make a run.

If they were to acquire Kane, they'd have enough offense to keep the big line together (when Jaden Schwartz is healthy) and could roll out a very potent 2nd line of Kane, Paul Stastny, and Alex Steen.

Acquiring Kane would also give them the rare ability to ice an elite chance generator on each of their top two units.



A lot of teams would benefit from adding a player like Kane but St. Louis really stands out to me.

Justin Lowe

Evander Kane would be an ideal addition to a team looking to boost their firepower heading into the playoffs.

If he's dealt well before the trade deadline, it will be to a team who know they have a good shot at making a run.

I think the perfect spot for him would be San Jose. They have 7M+ in cap space and sit 6th in the West in points, however, they are 14th (2nd last) in GF with 79. So, they could use an offensive bump in their top 6.

Botterill won't be selling him off cheaply though, even though Kane is a UFA this summer. Considering how this season has gone, as a new GM, he will want to make his mark with a bigger trade like this, bringing back a couple nice pieces.

Jared Crozier

Evander Kane could be a great addition talent-wise but there is always the ever-present attitude questions surrounding him.

There are a few landings spots where he would be a great fit, as long as they are confident he won't upset the apple-cart and the current chemistry in the dressing room.

I look at a team like Tampa, who has to be considered the current odds-on favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. They have the cap space to add a high-end rental, and the prospects in the system to get a deal done. That is two factors that most teams do not possess both of.

Whether Steve Yzerman feels he needs to take that step is another thing, but I think the Lightning would be the perfect spot for him.

Peter Tessier

I've been having this discussion on Twitter with some fans (@Teddier) and one place that could be such a underrated option is Carolina. Imagine Kane getting into their system with that group of players? While some in Carolina see the need for a centre too Kane could totally excel within that environment and city too.

Kane loved playing in Atlanta and perhaps Raleigh would be the next best thing for him. Keeping him might be easier too once there and the Hurricanes signing him might be that big news item new ownerships like to do. Carolina is 24th in goals for as a team, but 16th in 5 v 5 goals- Kane scores and he could probably score a ton more than he already is adding his 14 goals and 14 assists would make him the top performer on the team.

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