On the Colorado Avalanche …
Igor Eronko: Avalanche GM Joe Sakic on the rumors that recently acquired Vladislav Kamenev wants to return to Russia: “I think he wants to play in the NHL and he’s an NHL player. I’m sure once he comes up he doesn’t want to go anywhere else. He’ll enjoy growing with that group. We wanted to get younger, get those young guys and grow together.”
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger on WGR 550 radio in Buffalo talking about the Sabres and pending UFA forward Evander Kane. Dreger thought the three-way trade between the Avalanche, Predators and Senators could kickstart Evander Kane trade talks. Especially with the injury to defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, but that doesn’t appear to the be the case. The Sabres could look to re-sign Kane.
“Well look, is it a possibility that Evander Kane agrees to an extension and stays with the Buffalo Sabres long term? Of course it’s a possibility,” conceded Dreger. “Last time I checked, which was maybe a few days ago, there hasn’t been dialogue yet between Newport and the Buffalo Sabres. I’m not suggesting there won’t be. It’s a possibility.”
Kane could also not be interested in staying in Buffalo.
“But he’s also earned his position of unrestricted free agency. And he’s a marketable chip. So Botterill has to weigh the return – what he’s going to get for Evander Kane – versus the risk of maybe not being able to extend Evander Kane. And in the bigger picture again, looking at what his needs are. And if somebody is willing to part with the assets to make the Buffalo Sabres better now and in the future, then it’s something that he’s got to consider.”
Dreger adds that he hasn’t come across a team that would be willing to go seven years for Kane.