The NHL free agent market is bare, especially after Jiri Hudler signed with Dallas last month, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill on social media from churning out possibilities.
Ben Kuzma of The Providence has also added his two cents and suggested that a deal with Buffalo for troubled Evander Kane is still an option. The 25-year-old has had plenty of trouble off the ice, but he’s still one of the best young wingers in the game and a player the franchise could build around, but only if he stays out of trouble.
Several hockey experts believe a move to his hometown would help. With family and friends available to keep the talented scorer on the straight and narrow, it could be great for the team, despite the high risk-reward factor.
The former first round pick has shown the ability to carry a squad when his head is on straight. With 257 points, including 129 career goals, Kane could become the long-term answer on the front line this franchise needs.
NHL Rumors believes it would cost Bo Horvat, Chris Tanev or a draft picks to get the help they need, but trading talent for talent is necessary when you have a huge hole to fill on the ice. Vancouver ranked near the bottom of the league in goals scored last year and that led to plenty of pressure on the defenders. Adding another scoring option would help this team on both ends of the ice and possible put them back as a playoff contender in the Western Conference.
David Krejci has also been linked as another option for the Canucks, but after off season hip surgery, the veteran has pulled out of the World Cup and it would be unlikely any team would make a trade with Boston before seeing the 30-year-old prove himself in real game situations.
