A Canucks trade setup could hand the Leafs a Berube-type winger, at a discount
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With the Vancouver Canucks putting Evander Kane forth in trade talks, he seems like a perfect Craig Berube type who may end up a bargain.
When the Vancouver Canucks decided to trade their captain and star defenseman Quinn Hughes earlier this year, it kicked off a potential fire-sale for GM Patrik Allvin.
Next to go was Kiefer Sherwood, who brought back a solid package of assets thanks to raising his stock immensely the last two years.
But there could be another veteran who is playing elsewhere come March, that being Evander Kane.
Evander Kane joins trade block as Vancouver re-tools
Kane was actually traded to the Canucks from Edmonton earlier this off-season as a way to add some extra physicality and offense to the top six.
It hasn't worked out and according to a report from David Pagnotta, the Canucks are willing to trade Kane and even take on some money -- at the right price:
The #Canucks continue having trade talks involving Evander Kane. I'm told VAN is willing to retain part of his salary; want a prospect and/or draft pick in return. Some teams in East have engaged.
@DhaliwalSports
reported last night Kane's agent has permission to talk to teams.
@DhaliwalSports
reported last night Kane's agent has permission to talk to teams.
The fact that it's an either or situation and not both means that the Canucks are more interested in just getting Kane away from the team as opposed to the best deal.
Toronto can suddenly afford Evander Kane and it's time to strike
But if that's the case, then Brad Treliving needs to see if he can add him for a fairly cheap price given that right now it's all he can afford.
If Toronto were to part with their 2026 third-round pick and maybe a low end prospect like Sam McCue could be enough to suffice.
That leaves Toronto free to keep their first round pick and top prospects while adding a genuine top six force (at times).
Although he's struggled a bit this year with only 24 points in 51 games (9 goals, 15 assists) Kane been around the block a few times.
He has 641 points in 981 games since being drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers before they relocated to Winnipeg.
Kane has played on five different teams with his most notable time spent with both Buffalo and San Jose, where he put up some of his best numbers.
At this point, there's not many top tier options who are as affordable as Kane. He could fit in perfectly as a top six offensive player who adds more veteran leadership.
Toronto has a chance to give themselves the piece they need, it's just a matter of whether it'll even be worth it given their fall from grace.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Emergence of a Maple Leafs prospect puts Brad Treliving in a position of strength
Emergence of a Maple Leafs prospect puts Brad Treliving in a position of strength
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|1342 ANSWERS A Canucks trade setup could hand the Leafs a Berube-type winger, at a discount Do you think Evander Kane makes sense as a trade target for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 358 | 26.7 % |
| No | 984 | 73.3 % |
| List of polls | ||