NHL Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Matt Duchene, Evander Kane and More

It seems impossible to discuss NHL trade rumors these days without bringing up Matt Duchene's name.

The dynamic center has been on the trade block for the past year, but he is still a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Will he be for long? That is still up in the air as the NHL offseason moves into its quietest period.

With that in mind, let us delve into the latest buzz around the league.

Duchene Staying Put?

It appeared a certainty that Duchene would be moved during the past few weeks, as general managers had plenty of time to talk about the league's top trade target because of the expansion and entry drafts.

However, despite the animosity and damaged relationship between Duchene and a team that is sure to have developed throughout this process, it looks like the 26-year-old may not land with a new franchise anytime soon.

According to BSN Denver's Adrian Dater, Colorado general manager Joe Sakic is prepared to keep Duchene for the long haul:

Duchene has two years remaining at a $6 million cap hit before he hits unrestricted free agency, so his contract is a decent investment for a contending team, even considering the steep price Sakic is requesting.

The Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets are apparently two of those squads fitting that criteria, as Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch recently reported that each team has had personnel-related talks with the Avalanche:

Gabriel Carlsson is a big defenseman, 6'4" and nearly 200 pounds, who can skate and create some offense. He was Columbus' first-round pick in 2015, and he even recorded an assist over the two games he played with the club last year.

Carlsson is likely the Blue Jackets' No. 2 prospect behind Pierre-Luc Dubois, so there is a reason why they are hesitant to move him for Duchene, especially if that package also includes Ryan Murray. Columbus has over $12 million in space and Josh Anderson and Alexander Wennberg need new contracts, so adding Duchene would be a tight squeeze.

On the ice, though, Duchene would fit perfectly with the speed Columbus played at last season. He is lightning fast and has excellent hands, and he would assume the top center role the Blue Jackets need to fill in a rugged Metropolitan Division. Their window to win looks to be in the next two to three years, so the Blue Jackets may pull the trigger sometime this summer if the Duchene price can be met.

The Bruins are a solid team, although the offer Portzline refers to may not be enough.

Brandon Carlo is a promising player at 20 years old, but Boston would have to drain its prospect pool to get Duchene without giving up Charlie McAvoy. A trade would likely include either Jake DeBrusk and Jakub Zboril along with top goaltending prospect Malcolm Subban.

Duchene would fit in well behind Patrice Bergeron, but the Bruins are not close enough to contending to take stock out of their future.

So what happens with Duchene? If Dater is correct, then Sakic may just hold out for better offers, even if that lasts into the upcoming season.

Considering Colorado is not likely to get much better, it makes sense for Sakic to not rush into selling a top asset and wait until teams get more desperate closer to the trade deadline. Duchene's value may never be lower after his 41-point 2016-17 season, so hoping he bounces back to raise his stock could be a smart bet.

On the other hand, having a disgruntled Duchene does not benefit either party. The longer this situation drags out, the more of a distraction it becomes for the organization. Sakic is walking a fine line, and he better be careful not to be too stubborn before this blows up in his face.

Kane's Time in Buffalo Near the End?

Another name that constantly arises in trade discussions is that of Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane, and it sounds like it will stay that way for the foreseeable future.

On TSN 1290's Afternoon Ride, NHL insider Darren Dreger noted there has been talk about Kane from other NHL clubs but that it seems likely he stays put. Dreger did delve into the type of teams that inquired about the talented winger:

"I know that the interest that has been expressed to Buffalo in Evander Kane primarily came from teams in that win-now mode. I can't identify the teams because I don't know the identity of the teams. 

"But there's been tire-kicking, I would say, for the last few months now with Kane in Buffalo and nothing has materialized, so it may take awhile longer."

Outside of Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ristolainen, it seems no Sabre is a lock to contribute toward the team's long-term goals, with a new regime of general manager Jason Botterill and head coach Phil Housley in place. 

Shortly after he and Housley were hired, Botterill spoke highly of Kane's game, but he did not firmly commit to keeping Kane in Buffalo, per John Vogl of the Buffalo News:

"We're always looking at different ways to improve our team, but Evander, Phil Housley's had some great conversations with Evander already. We know how talented of a player he certainly is. From a scoring aspect I think it was 25 even-strength goals last year. How we want to play, he can certainly be a force.

"Our dialogue and interaction with Evander has been positive so far, and we'll see where it goes."

Breaking into the league as an 18-year-old after being drafted No. 4 overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, Kane has certainly shown flashes of his exceptional blend of speed and skill. He went off for 57 points in 74 games in his third season, but he has yet to exceed 43 points since.

Kane has the ability to produce like a perennial 60-point, top-line player, but he is scoring at a second-line rate. Few players possess the creativity and guts to complete this ridiculous pass Kane made six years ago:

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

If a team, whether that be Buffalo or a contender, can unlock that player, then Kane could become a difference-maker.

The longer Kane goes untraded, though, the lower his value will become. He only has one year left on his deal at a $5.25 million hit, so any team acquiring him risks losing him after just one campaign. That will likely end up netting Buffalo less than Kane is worth.

Still, Kane is a player to watch this summer and into next season. He may not be in Buffalo's plans for its rebuild, but he could become a major contributor for a team like the San Jose Sharks, who are in contention out West and have a hole at wing following the loss of Patrick Marleau.

Statistics are courtesy of hockeydb.com. Salary information is courtesy of CapFriendly.