Michael Pachla: What's with all the Evander Kane talk? If a trade does happen it will likely occur in the off season.

I agree with you Pach.

(Will read now.)

I agree with you Pach.

(Will read now.)
- Der Kaiser

Thank You. Terrific blog. Under the galisano era, we lost guys because we wouldn't pay him. Let me get the rationale for a trade straight: he's playing well, so trade him. That's absurd. You hold onto performing talent, and this time of year, playoff teams aren't going to part with a top-4 D for anyone. I see literally no reason to trade him for picks only. Kane is one of a kind, and a low first isn't gonna nap you his specific skill set.

If during the summer he says he won't resign, then you trade him for an NHL top 4 D. Not a prospect, a good now defenseman

Tldr; He's good. You keep him because he's good.

I just don't know. The issue is premature at TDL in my view. Let them play through the year - see what unprotected Dmen we can squeeze from ANA or MIN just before Vegas picks, and then make the decision as Kane approaches TDL next year.

My old man used to say, "Eat the cow one steak at a time."

Thank You. Terrific blog. Under the galisano era, we lost guys because we wouldn't pay him. Let me get the rationale for a trade straight: he's playing well, so trade him. That's absurd. You hold onto performing talent, and this time of year, playoff teams aren't going to part with a top-4 D for anyone. I see literally no reason to trade him for picks only. Kane is one of a kind, and a low first isn't gonna nap you his specific skill set.

If during the summer he says he won't resign, then you trade him for an NHL top 4 D. Not a prospect, a good now defenseman

Tldr; He's good. You keep him because he's good.
- jcragcrumple

I agree

Thank You. Terrific blog. Under the galisano era, we lost guys because we wouldn't pay him. Let me get the rationale for a trade straight: he's playing well, so trade him. That's absurd. You hold onto performing talent, and this time of year, playoff teams aren't going to part with a top-4 D for anyone. I see literally no reason to trade him for picks only. Kane is one of a kind, and a low first isn't gonna nap you his specific skill set.

If during the summer he says he won't resign, then you trade him for an NHL top 4 D. Not a prospect, a good now defenseman

Tldr; He's good. You keep him because he's good.
- jcragcrumple

I can never get this right. It's Gallysano isn't it?

I can never get this right. It's Gallysano isn't it?
- Der Kaiser

lol we were both wrong. It's Golisano. the dude helped save the Sabres, I guess I should have more respect

lol we were both wrong. It's Golisano. the dude helped save the Sabres, I guess I should have more respect
- jcragcrumple

He's rolling over in his grave.

I don't think Kane should be moved simply because it was be political suicide for GMTM, the fanbase would (frank)in let him have it unless he pulled off something amazing.

I don't think Kane should be moved simply because it was be political suicide for GMTM, the fanbase would (frank)in let him have it unless he pulled off something amazing.
- Tsyolin

His personality annoys people, and I think there are racial undertones too. knowledgeable hockey fans would be upset, but the majority of WNYers who gripe about the Sabres and only pay attention during the playoffs would probably be happy if he left.

If you get a top lefty d man then everyone would probably be fine with it imo

I don't think Kane should be moved simply because it was be political suicide for GMTM, the fanbase would (frank)in let him have it unless he pulled off something amazing.
- Tsyolin

I think pretty much everyone knows that his values not the same as it once was

I think you would see the pitchforks if he lets him go for free

I don't think Kane should be moved simply because it was be political suicide for GMTM, the fanbase would (frank)in let him have it unless he pulled off something amazing.
- Tsyolin

I don't know about that...many fans seem to be saying "sell-high" and they'll fall back on past off-ice issues as to the basis for their belief that he should be traded

Michael Pachla: What's with all the Evander Kane talk?
If a trade does happen it will likely occur in the off season.
- Michael Pachla

I said this in the last blog:

On WGR yesterday morning, they pointed out that the Chicago Blackhawks have six guys that have been on their team for all of their championships: Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook and Hossa. The rest they've moved out and acquired as needed. The question is: is Evander Kane worth locking up big money for a long term, or are there other guys worth locking up ahead of him.

To me, the Sabres have two players that definitely fit this list: Eichel and Ristolainen. Reinhart is close, but I would absolutely trade him for the right defenseman (assuming he is available). I can't say the same for Eichel, and I would have to imagine any team willing to unload such a defenseman would be looking for forward help and not incredibly interested in Ristolainen, otherwise they would stay put.

Okposo and O'Reilly are already locked up long term, so there are four guys you have locked up, or will lock up in the near future. That leaves two spots. If this team is going to get that defenseman it desperately needs, you will have to lock him up as well. There's your fifth spot. Is Kane the last guy worth locking up? 30-some games of good hockey still doesn't get me to say yes.

Possible reasons his name is continuously linked to the rumor mill.

A) Locker room cancer?
B) Management knows he has zero interest in re-signing?
C) Management does not want to give him the inevitable raise + long-term contract?
D) He's a largely one dimensional, injury prone player?

While a nice complimentary piece, i don't think Kane is a pivotal player in Buffalo's long term outlook/success.

Move him for a good young D-man.
Please leave Vancouver out of it though lol.

Well at least a lot of the vocal fans I'm seeing are demanding we keep Kane around, maybe that's just me I dunno.

Possible reasons his name is continuously linked to the rumor mill.

A) Locker room cancer?
B) Management knows he has zero interest in re-signing?
C) Management does not want to give him the inevitable raise + long-term contract?
D) He's a largely one dimensional, injury prone player?

While a nice complimentary piece, i don't think Kane is a pivotal player in Buffalo's long term outlook/success.

Move him for a good young D-man.
Please leave Vancouver out of it though lol.
- Whiskey-Tango

The first part of the bolded is completely wrong

The second part yes...

Possible reasons his name is continuously linked to the rumor mill.

A) Locker room cancer?
B) Management knows he has zero interest in re-signing?
C) Management does not want to give him the inevitable raise + long-term contract?
D) He's a largely one dimensional, injury prone player?

While a nice complimentary piece, i don't think Kane is a pivotal player in Buffalo's long term outlook/success.

Move him for a good young D-man.
Please leave Vancouver out of it though lol.
- Whiskey-Tango

All of these are speculation at best.
A) The only ones that know if he's a locker room cancer would be those in the locker room.
B) Never been said, wouldn't know that.
C) Also never been said, wouldn't know that.
D) He's as far from one dimensional as a hockey player gets. scores, hits, fights, is fast. How is that one dimensional? Injury prone, maybe.

Well at least a lot of the vocal fans I'm seeing are demanding we keep Kane around, maybe that's just me I dunno.
- Tsyolin

I'm probably in my own group..

I want to trade him because we have other needs to address like defense and he could be the key piece to acquiring one.. and I believe we can use the money that we would sign him for elsewhere

And you have Justin Bailey in the wings

Possible reasons his name is continuously linked to the rumor mill.

A) Locker room cancer?
B) Management knows he has zero interest in re-signing?
C) Management does not want to give him the inevitable raise + long-term contract?
D) He's a largely one dimensional, injury prone player?

While a nice complimentary piece, i don't think Kane is a pivotal player in Buffalo's long term outlook/success.

Move him for a good young D-man.
Please leave Vancouver out of it though lol.
- Whiskey-Tango

I am preparing for a S**T STORM of replies such as these.

I am now Evander Kane fan having lived with the man-child but if I am Buffalo there is no way I am moving him right now.

Unless it is a crazy over payment which I can't imagine given expansion, roster shuffling, then keep him.

Right now he is a strong power forward who is scoring.....hard to replace that.

If old Evander shows up (off ice or on) then that changes thing.

Possible reasons his name is continuously linked to the rumor mill.

A) Locker room cancer?
B) Management knows he has zero interest in re-signing?
C) Management does not want to give him the inevitable raise + long-term contract?
D) He's a largely one dimensional, injury prone player?

While a nice complimentary piece, i don't think Kane is a pivotal player in Buffalo's long term outlook/success.

Move him for a good young D-man.
Please leave Vancouver out of it though lol.
- Whiskey-Tango

Speed, toughness, goalscoring. There's three dimensions. I can almost guarantee that none of the trade talk is coming from Murray, and Eichel and Kane look happy in the ice together after a goal. Not wanting to sign seems reasonable to me, he probably craves the spotlight.

I don't think Vancouver has anything D wise that the Sabres would want in exchange anyway

I felling like im beating a dead horse but we are one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL. If we ever want to be serious contenders we need to solidify our defense. We traded away 2 of our best D prospects to solidify our offense (Meyers/Zadorov for ROR/Kane)

I would not reverse either trade and I don't know that trading Kane at the deadline the right move but I fear his maturity and success are short term.

Trade the dead weight (Franson, Kulikov, Gionta, maybe Moulson might have to retain salary) at the deadline for picks and start drafting defensemen.

I hope Guhle pans out because the rest minus Risto are not good.

The hockey IQ, passing, anticipation...instincts even..are all very low but the physical skills, the shot, the skating are all there.

9% career shooting % is not good

Michael Pachla: What's with all the Evander Kane talk?
If a trade does happen it will likely occur in the off season.
- Michael Pachla

sabres retain 1.5 mil of kane's salary next year


kane for fowler

do you do it?
do the ducks do it?