Management already signed veteran winger Loui Eriksson, who should provide some additional scoring and add some much-needed depth on the front line, but experts believe more help is needed for this franchise to rebound from their poor showing last season.
Ben Kuzma of The Province has reported that Evander Kane could be the answer, despite his off-ice incidents that have disrupted his career. The soon-to-be 25-year-old is due in court next month on charges he had unwanted contact with three women at a Buffalo bar. Beyond legal issues, the young winger could be a much sought after scorer if the Sabres decide they have had enough of his antics.
Drafted in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft by Winnipeg, the young man has shown great skills on the ice. He has 257 career points in his seven years in the league and plays a physical brand of hockey that is needed to succeed.
Many believe a return to his hometown could be just the move to get his head right and resurrect his career. With family and friends close, it could help his off-ice actions and get the young man to grow up and play the game he loves.
Vancouver has been linked with other players in recent weeks, including Sam Gagner, who at 26-year-old, still has his best hockey in front of his career. However, for the Canucks to make a splash with the fans and create a more positive influence within the organization, the risk-reward deal to acquire Kane makes more sense. His upside is much higher then that of Gagner and his numbers have been more consistent, but it could come down to who the front office believes will help this team, both on and off the ice, when making a decision on what is best for the franchise moving forward.
