Buffalo Sabres Land Building Block for Future in Evander Kane

Buffalo Sabres’ GM Tim Murray pulled off a blockbuster trade by acquiring 23-year-old winger Evander Kane form the Winnipeg Jets. The Sabres also acquired 24-year-old defenseman Zach Bogosian and goaltending prospect Jason Kasdorf with Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Brendan Lemieux, Joel Armia and a the lowest of the Sabres’ three first round picks.

Being able to land a talent like Kane at such a young age is something Murray couldn’t pass on, even when you throw in the shoulder surgery and off-ice issues. Kane’s off-ice issues were a concern but not enough of a concern to pass on bringing him on board in Buffalo. We are talking about a player who has 109 goals and 113 assists in 361 games. Not bad for a 23-year-old who is about to enter the prime of his career.

This is exactly the kind of trade a general manager lives for, to acquire a potential building block who has about a decade of good, if not great, hockey still to play. The fresh start in Buffalo could energize Kane who is not only starting over in a new city but a new country.

Basically, Murray brought in a potential 40-goal scorer and one who has already scored 30 in a season. If Kane can stay healthy he can be the best offensive threat since Chris Drury, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pomenville and Daniel Briere were in town just under a decade ago.

The Sabres have some young talent to team with Kane in the coming years and possibly bring the Sabres back into contention. One thing is certain, having player with Kane’s ability and talent on the roster brings the Sabres one step closer to relevance and one step closer to contention. They might have given up some decent young players and a first rounder but there are still two first round picks and still enough talent in the Sabres’ system to make the future just a little brighter in Buffalo.