- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Evander Kane’s agent said that they have talked to GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about Kane playing elsewhere.
“It’s something that Kevin and Evander have addressed multiple times in the past several years, and I’ll leave it at that,” Oster said. “I think in response, Evander is a Jet and will continue to be a Jet until his contract is not renewed or he’s traded.”
A Newport Sports rep clarified that by “addressed multiple times” that both Cheveldayoff and Kane have addressed separately and in public the question of requesting a trade. Source saying last night that a conversation between Cheveldayoff and Kane about a trade is not untrue.
- Ken Wiebe: Jets coach Paul Maurice said that Evander Kane would be welcomed back to the team.
- Craig Custance: Kane surgery doesn’t change a thing for at least one interested team. Not a big deal if you are thinking long-term. Neil Greenberg: Would likely change the asking price though.
- Chris Johnston: Putting Kane on the LTIR doesn’t prevent the Jets from trading him. Some think that he’ll still be moved by the deadline.
- James Gordon: If you are going to make a proper trade, it’s likely to happen at the draft.
- Jason Mackey: Source saying Kane would be appealing to the Penguins. Could reassess in the offseason, with the price being the x-factor.
- Guy Flaming: There will be 29 buyers at the draft, but only half that many by March 2nd.
- Gary Lawless: “Hard not to draw the conclusion Kane was pushed by #nhljets teammates and he decided he’d had enough. Lose-lose for player and team. A mess.”
- James Gordon: “If the jets were to make a deal with the Sens, they’d have one huge advantage. OTT management/ownership thinks team is way better than it is.”
- James Gordon: “I think this is good news on Kane. They don’t have to deal with a month of distraction leading to deadline, can deal a healthy player.”
- Shawn Simpson: “Surgery for Kane buys Jets time. Chevy is a very conservative GM. Will weigh options. Player healthy by Draft day. Best time to make a deal!”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: the Canadiens are looking for help upfront, but they should avoid Evander Kane. The cost to acquire Kane will high. Before the injury update, the Jets were looking for a roster player and either a pick or prospect. The asking price should be lower now as teams know the Jets can’t keep him. Kane’s surgery “removes any temptations” that the Canadiens may have had.
- Nichols on Hockey: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1290 on Evander Kane. Despite the injury, there is still interest in him as some teams are looking at it as a long-term investment. The Penguins, Bruins and Ducks would have been interested had he not been injured for the rest of the season. LeBrun thinks it’s still possible that he’s traded before the deadline.
Darren Dreger on TSN 1200: Think the Senators have some interest in Kane.
Bob McKenzie on TSN 1260: (before news that he’d be out 4-6 months) Teams that would be interested in Kane include: Bruins, Penguins, Canadiens, Ducks and Canucks.