Buffalo Sabres: 3 Potential Evander Kane trade destinations

With Matt Duchene finally on the move, we turn our attention to other potential blockbuster trades around the NHL. The moribund Buffalo Sabres have the most intriguing asset among rental forwards in Evander Kane.

The biggest news of the young season dropped on Sunday night. Matt Duchene got traded to the Ottawa Senators in a three-team deal that also saw Kyle Turris head to the Nashville Predators. The Colorado Avalanche finally started their rebuild with a bevy of picks and prospects. TSN immediately put Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane at the top of their “Trade Bait” board, and with good reason.

Why a trade makes sense

Kane is just 26 years old, but has plenty of experience. Now in his ninth season, the former 30-goal scorer leads the Sabres in goals and points (nine and 15, respectively). He’s found phenomenal chemistry with linemate Jack Eichel. The pair have been a rare bright spot on an otherwise disappointing Sabres team.

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Unfortunately for Buffalo fans, that’s exactly why Kane needs to be traded. Not unlike their Western rebuilding counterpart, the Arizona Coyotes, the Sabres were supposed to take a step forward this season. An active summer included the acquisition of Jason Pominville and Marco Scandella from Minnesota, but early results are underwhelming. The Sabres are second from the bottom in the East with 12 points in 15 games played. If they can get future pieces for their star wing, that would be a huge help for them.

To say that Kane has a problematic history would be an understatement, but he’s kept his nose clean for the better part of a year now. Combined with his production and expiring contract, he’s a valuable asset.

At the same time, he carries a $5.25 million cap hit, and he’ll look for a raise as his contract expires this summer. That salary is not out of line with his production, but it’s hard to fit into most team’s plans. Given those constraints, we’ve identified three potential trade partners for the Sabres.

Let’s start with a team from the same state: the New York Islanders.