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NHL Rumor Buzz is Hockeybuzz’s version of an aggregator blog, similar to Spectorshockey.net or MyNHLTradeRumors. It is the home for the latest NHL trade rumors from other mainstream sources and websites other than Hockeybuzz. It will include our thoughts on the rumor in question and will be updated each day as new rumors surface.
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February 10, 2017
Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News reports on the dilemma the Sabres face with winger Evander Kane, who leads the NHL in even strength goals since early December.
”Kane still has a year left on his contract and his off-ice issues had the Sabres clearly wishing to get rid of him over the summer. But he was a pariah at that point, with little value. There's no doubt now his value is re-established.
But with the Sabres trying to win and get out of the spin cycle of rebuilding, do you go forward with Kane as a core guy? Or do you try to sell high to get a top-four defenseman as you approach the trade deadline because the playoffs are a longshot?”
THE BUZZ –The wish list for half the NHL GM’s is to acquire a top four defenseman, which means that the few teams that have blueliners to spare will be able to pick and choose who they want in exchange.
Kane has been successful in reestablishing his value as a scoring forward, and the fact that he has one year remaining at $5.25 Million might be attractive to the team not looking to make a long-term commitment, but the off-ice issues still could have an effect on Sabres GM Tim Murray being able to get the return he is expecting.
Buffalo would have to go on a significant winning streak to climb back in the playoff race and based on their rumored desire to move on from Kane last summer, it would be surprising if the Sabres did a complete reversal and chose to keep him long term.
In answering fan questions,
Newsday’s Arthur Staple says that the New York Islanders will be sellers at the March 1 deadline (since they have gone 8-1-2 under interim coach Doug Weight) and could actually be buyers.
”(The Islanders) wouldn’t get good value back for Ryan Strome, I don’t see teams beating down the door for Dennis Seidenberg, the only real rental on the roster and Jaroslav Halak would be on the block regardless of the record.
The one thing playing in the Isles’ favor as a buyer is their surplus of defensemen. If Garth Snow and Doug Weight see more progress from Adam Pelech and are convinced that Ryan Pulock can be a regular down the stretch, then perhaps Calvin de Haan could become expendable in some sort of deadline package.”
THE BUZZ – GM Garth Snow is in a similar position to the Anaheim Ducks, with the ability to trade an established defensemen to teams looking for depth for a playoff run or a young blueliner either on their entry-level deals or with low cap hit that clubs looking for future assets may have interest in.
It all depends on what the Islanders are looking to acquire. If they wants to add a linemate for John Tavares (like Matt Duchene), it would be a deal that would cost at least three prospects or draft picks.
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