«I know there has been some speculation that there might be some interest for Kane from some other teams, but most people around the league that I've spoken with about him feel that a trade is unlikely. I tend to agree, and one source even suggested to me that he believes Kane actually would prefer to get bought out and that this Barracuda experiment probably won't last very long. While a buyout would cost Kane one-third of the money that the Sharks owe him over the final three years of his contract, he could conceivably make that up with a new contract somewhere else.''
''In other words, my prediction is that the Kane-Barracuda marriage won't last until the trade deadline, he won't get traded, he'll sit for the final few weeks or months of the season, the Sharks will be forced to buy him out in the summer, and then another club will take a chance on him with a short term deal beginning in 2022-23.»
Even if the Sharks are prepared to absorb some of Kane's pay, his seven-year contract with a $7 million budget hit has scared off many NHL trade suitors.
Teams looking for a boost up front may prefer a fresh contract, which comes with issues given Kane's past. After all, he was the Sharks' most valuable player last season, scoring 22 goals and 49 points in 56 games.
If the Sharks buy him out than teams will call Kane!
Credit: HF