Evander Kane might be on the move again - and this time, the Vancouver Canucks appear ready to deal.
According to reports from NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the Canucks are actively fielding trade calls on Kane, and two teams have emerged as potential landing spots: the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. While there's no indication that a deal is imminent, the buzz suggests a move could come sooner rather than later, possibly before the Olympic roster freeze hits.
Let’s unpack what this means.
Kane’s season didn’t exactly start with fireworks. He came out of the gate slow, and for a while, it looked like he might be struggling to find his rhythm.
But over the last couple of weeks, he’s started to turn a corner. The production is ticking up, and more importantly, he’s showing flashes of the player who’s built a reputation as a playoff performer.
That’s the version of Kane that contenders like Dallas and Colorado are eyeing - a veteran winger with a physical edge, a scoring touch, and a postseason track record that speaks for itself.
Remember, when Kane joined Edmonton, he immediately became a key playoff contributor, leading the Oilers in scoring during that postseason run. That kind of impact sticks with GMs and coaches. They know that when the lights get bright, Kane has shown he can rise to the occasion - assuming he’s healthy and locked in.
So why the interest from the Stars and Avs?
Both teams are legitimate contenders with deep forward groups, but there’s always room for one more weapon come playoff time. Kane, as a pending unrestricted free agent, would be a pure rental - a short-term swing aimed at pushing a roster over the top.
And if the acquisition cost is something modest, like a late-round pick, the risk is minimal. For a team like Dallas, who could use a bit more grit and secondary scoring, or Colorado, who’s always looking to add playoff-tested depth, Kane could be a savvy addition to the bottom six or even a top-nine role depending on fit.
Of course, the reaction from fans has been mixed - and that’s not surprising. Kane’s game comes with edge and intensity, but also baggage.
Some fans see the value in adding a hard-nosed forward who can chip in offensively and stir things up physically. Others are less enthusiastic, questioning whether the upside outweighs the potential distractions.
Still, in the context of a tight playoff race and a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever, this kind of move is exactly the type of calculated gamble that can pay off in April and May. Kane doesn’t need to be a star - he just needs to be effective.
A few timely goals, a few big hits, and a presence that opponents have to account for. That’s what contenders are looking for at the deadline.
So while nothing’s official yet, keep an eye on Vancouver. If the Canucks are indeed ready to part ways with Kane, and if Dallas or Colorado is willing to make the call, don’t be surprised if this deal gets done sooner rather than later.