Buffalo Sabres: Tim Murray Looking to Trade Evander Kane
By Paul Taylor
Evander Kane’s time in Western New York could be coming to an end, with news that the Buffalo Sabres are attempting to move the controversial winger.
The Buffalo Sabres have finally had enough of Evander Kane. At least that appears to be the case, if the latest speculation surrounding the controversial winger is true.
According to Georges Laraque, he has been told by an agent that the Sabres are looking to trade Kane. The former Montreal Canadiens player shared the news, while appearing on WGR550’s Hockey Hotline.
Laraque said: “(Tim Murray) told them, they were trying to find a way to part with Evander Kane…There have been a lot of problems in Buffalo with him, and it seems they now want to pull the plug on it.
More from Buffalo Sabres
- Buffalo Sabres and Victor Olofsson making progress on contract extension
- Buffalo Sabres still need goaltender help despite re-signing Anderson
- Buffalo Sabres: Time to close book on the Jack Eichel chapter
- Buffalo Sabres receiving interest in members of defensive core
- Buffalo Sabres focused on youth during another disastrous season
“He’s not going to be easy to get rid of. I don’t even know if you could give that guy away with all his baggage, but that’s what’s coming from their GM.”
Certainly, the former fourth overall draft pick’s baggage is considerable, to say the least. He previously had issues in Winnipeg and his ability to attract trouble has followed him to Buffalo.
The latest incident involving Kane happened while the NHL was in Buffalo last week, for the draft. Two crime reports were filed by a couple of women, who claim he physically harassed them at a downtown bar early on Friday morning.
Regardless of how this matter pans out, it’s tough to argue with the 24-year old repeatedly putting himself in compromising situations. Coming so soon after being investigated for committing a sexual offense at a local downtown hotel (no charges were ever filed) you have to question his ability to make a sound judgement.
No one denies Kane’s potential, but at some point, it has to be accepted he may never grow up, or fully take advantage of his skill set. Given Laraque’s comments, it appears Murray and the Sabres have reached that point with the mercurial player.
In truth, there will likely still be at least one NHL team out there prepared to take a risk on the Vancouver, BC native. However, with two years and $12 million remaining on his current deal, they may well prefer to wait until it expires, before making their move.
As such, if there are no takers between now and the next trade deadline, the Sabres will have to make a decision. Either buy out the remainder of Kane’s contract, or hold onto him and hope he doesn’t ruin the morale and chemistry on a team with a promising future.
Next: What does the future hold for Zemgus Girgensons?
What are your thoughts on Kane and his place on the Sabres roster? Is his talent worth keeping him around, or is it imperative to move him as soon as possible, before he potentially destroys team morale? Let us know in the comments section below.