Evander Kane Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation on Jets Star

Adam WellsFeb 5, 2015

Winnipeg Jets winger Evander Kane was a hot trade target, due to clashes with teammates and coaches and has reportedly been traded to Buffalo.

Continue for updates.

Jets Reportedly Trade Kane to Sabres

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Craig Custance of ESPN and Darren Dreger of TSN reported that the Jets have traded Kane to the Sabres.

Earlier, Dreger provided a framework of a potential deal emerging from the talks:

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reported on Kane's reaction to the trade:

"
Word is Evander Kane is ok with trade to Buffalo. Chance for a fresh start. Looking forward to playing major role on rebuilding Sabres.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 11, 2015"

Kane a Top Trade Target

Thursday, Feb. 5

Even though the Winnipeg Jets are in the middle of a playoff chase, they are apparently looking to deal winger Evander Kane for the right right price.

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, a rift between the Jets and Kane could serve as the impetus for a potential move before the March 2 trade deadline:

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun confirmed Dreger's report, noting that there was serious interest in the wing:

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reported that Kane could be available on the cheap:

Per Gary Lawless of The Winnipeg Free Press, Jets coach Paul Maurice held Kane out of a game on February 3 against Vancouver after violating a team rule, after wearing sweats to a team meeting instead of a suit.

However, Chris Johnston of Sportsnet paints a decidedly different picture of the incident in question:

"
It was previously believed the Jets had made Kane a scratch for the game in his hometown. Following the 3-2 overtime loss on Tuesday, Paul Maurice termed it a “coach’s decision.”
However, multiple sources familiar with the situation have since indicated that Kane was not on the team’s bus to Rogers Arena and then missed a pre-game meeting. Repeated attempts to reach him were unsuccessful until approximately an hour before puck drop, when Kane answered his cellphone and said he wouldn’t be playing against the Canucks that night.
"

Johnston reports that Kane did wear a track suit to a team meeting, and notes that teammate Dustin Byfuglien threw the clothes into the shower. He also notes that the morning meeting was the last time Kane was seen on game day until they returned to Winnipeg.

The Jets are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference with 61 points. Kane has been a solid performer when healthy with 22 points in 37 games. He's not essential to what the team does, as those 22 points are eighth-most, but his age and past performance suggest he could turn into something more.

The next few weeks will be interesting to watch as Maurice and the Jets decide what their future together holds. It doesn't seem like a marriage built to last, though these things can turn on a dime with a young, talented player.