Buffalo Sabres: Evander Kane Well Aware of the Trade Rumors
By Paul Taylor
Evander Kane would prefer to concentrate on playing hockey, but appreciates there is a lot of speculation surrounding his future with the Buffalo Sabres.
It’s fair to say Evander Kane has had an interesting start to the 2016-17 campaign, after suffering an injury in the home opener. Since his return, he has yet to hit the back of the net in 10 games, with just two assists to his name.
On top of this, the Vancouver native has had to contend with the ongoing trade speculation about his future with the Buffalo Sabres. In particular, recent rumors have connected him to the Canucks, although the highly respect Elliot Friedman says Kane’s hometown team has now backed off, due to the Sabres’ asking price being too high.
With all the outside noise surrounding the 25-year old, you would imagine it must be distracting for him. However, he seems to be taking it all in stride, as per his recent comments to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
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Kane said: “This is a business, first and foremost, no matter what anybody tries to tell you or what the fans may think. It’s a business and business people make business decisions, while the players make the best business decisions for themselves when they have that opportunity.
“We all know that. For me, it’s nothing I can concern myself too much with.”
Of course, it would be easy for critics to dispute the 2009 fourth overall draft pick’s claim, by referencing his lack of goals. However, this would be unfair, given that the injury-hit Sabres have struggled in this area as whole, currently sitting bottom of the NHL in goals scored.
Kane said: “To go goalless in these games coming off that injury is tough. It’s been a team struggle for sure. I don’t know if you can say it makes it easier, but hopefully we get one of those games where it’s 4-0 or 5-0 early.”
For all the controversy that surrounds the talented winger, the one thing you can’t fault is his effort. Even the fans and media in Winnipeg admit he always gave 100 percent when he was on the ice, no matter what was going on in other areas of his life.
Unfortunately, this does little to calm the frenzy which surrounds the polarizing Kane. Sometimes it’s his own fault, while on other occasions, the media us guilty of making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Kane said: “It’s nothing new for me, something I’ve dealt with. There’s been bad reporting, inaccurate reporting, confused reporting, silly reporting – and then you have accurate reporting too.
“I’m used to it all. For me, I really don’t care because you can’t worry about it…I’m happy with what I’m doing (and) I’m focused on hockey.”
Overall, no one can know for sure what the future holds for the two-time Canadian international Gold Medal winner. However, for what it’s worth, he would like to remain in Western New York.
Kane said: “I’m very, very, very happy with where I’m at here in Buffalo. And maybe I couldn’t have said that in the past in my career.”
Next: Reinhart remains confident despite lack of goals
Do you believe Kane when he says the constant trade speculation does not affect him? Further, if you were GM for the Sabres, what would you prefer to do in respect of the controversial winger? Let us know in the comments section.