On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Tim Murray may have to make a decision on forward Evander Kane this offseason. Kane has a year left on his contract at a $5.25 million cap hit. Do they think he’ll be part of their long-term future or do they look to move him for a long-term asset?
“That is something I have thought very, very little about,” Kane said as the Sabres cleaned out their lockers. “I have one more year on my deal. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Kane led the Sabres in goals this past season with 28, with 25 coming at even strength.
On the Dallas Stars …
Mark Stepneski of Stars Inside Edge: Patrick Sharp had hip surgery two weeks ago with recovery expected to be four to six months. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent.
“It feels different,” Sharp said. “It’s going to be new for me. It’s a situation that I’ve never been in. You talk about free agency and contracts, and I am not concerned with it. I am just more upset and frustrated with how things played out this year with the Stars and me personally. It’s an empty feeling. What lies ahead? I don’t know. I just want to make sure I use this summer the best I can, get healthy in the mind and the body, and regroup.”
Stars GM Jim Nill on Valeri Nichushkin.
“Val has another year left . I’ve been talking to his agent. I don’t know whether there’s an out or not. You never know with the Russian Federation,” Nill said. “Don’t know if this Olympic decision (the NHL not going to South Korea in 2018) is going to come into play there also. We’ll be in touch with his representation and just kind of see where that goes from there. Right now he’s playing for the national team trying to make the World Championships. They’re playing some exhibition games.”