On Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane …
Craig Custance of The Athletic: Evander Kane when asked how he blocks out trade rumors during the contract year that he is in.
“You know what? I’m not necessarily trying to block it out, I just don’t focus on it. It’s not going to do you any good or help your case or your team. For me, I just embrace it. I enjoy it. It’s something that you have to be aware of.”
Kane added that he is just focusing on the team and trying to win, that he can’t control the other stuff. He hasn’t requested a trade and is enjoying playing in Buffalo.
Kane admits that when he was with the Winnipeg Jets, he had requested a trade several times. He had to approve the trade to the Sabres as he was injured at the time.
On the Vancouver Canucks trade scenarios …
Mike Halford of The Athletic: Looking at trade scenarios involving the Vancouver Canucks and if they are likely to occur.
Erik Gudbranson – Re-signed for one-year and is eligible to sign an extension after January first. He’s being used mostly on their third pairing. The Canucks gave up Jared McCann and a second- and fourth-round pick for him. A team at the trade deadline will likely be interested, but it’s unclear as to what his market value might be as a rental.
Chris Tanev – 27-year old carries a $4.45 million cap hit through 2020. There would be plenty of teams interested in Tanev if he were made available. The Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking for some blue line help; they have lots of prospects and Tanev was paired with Morgan Rielly for Team Canada at the World Championships.
Thomas Vanek or Alex Burmistrov – Trades likely to occur closer to the trade deadline. Vanek is fourth in Canucks scoring and second in power-play assists. The Red Wings traded Vanek last year at the deadline for a third-round pick and Dylan McIlrath.