Well, it's official. Evander Kane is once again on the move. the former Sabres forward will have a new home in Vancouver, where he'll try to help out what's been one of the league's more dysfunctional franchises. And while Kane is a good hockey player, Sabres fans could forewarn Canucks fans of just how volatile he can be.
Evander Kane has been traded to the Canucks, he announced on social media đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/2IVRpyrT4q
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 25, 2025
Kane spent nearly three seasons with the Sabres, hoping he could help them turn things around. But, we all know how that story played out, and it's not much different from the one we're seeing play out these days. Let's relive a little of what Kane gave to the Sabres, and why it should concern Canucks fans.
Before I go any further, it's worth noting that Kane has now turned into the ultimate journeyman, playing for what will be his fifth different organization (I'm counting the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets as one).
Anyway, with the Sabres, Kane put up 118 points and 68 goals throughout 196 games in a blue and gold sweater. He garnered a minus-45 rating, and logged an incredible 262 penalty minutes. Kane was a surefire top-six player and a go-to on what was a bad hockey team, averaging 19:52 per game. But the Sabres never got any better with Kane on the team.
Former Sabre Evander Kane's trade to the Canucks included a heartfelt message
We know how volatile Kane can be, as he's faced a long list of legal issues, including assault and harrassment charges during his time with the Sabres. His status with the team also did him no favors when he missed practice in favor of attending the NBA All-Star Game.
But, has Kane put his past demons behind him? On a more positive note, Kane went out of his way to post a remarkable message on X, reminiscing of his time with the Edmonton Oilers, and looking forward to the challenge awaiting him in British Columbia.
As my time with the @EdmontonOilers has now come to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the entire organization, my teammates, and the incredible community of Edmonton.
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) June 25, 2025
To the Oilers Ownership, front office, coaching staff, and trainers—thank you for believing in… pic.twitter.com/huOxax5FxK
And most recently, Kane brings a plethora of championship-caliber experience. No, he didn't hoist the Stanley Cup in Alberta, but he played a pivotal role helping the Oilers continue their winning ways. And even get close to winning pro hockey's ultimate prize.
All of that said, Kane has shown numerous times during his career that he can't be trusted to stay out of trouble. And for a team like the Canucks, one that had faced more dysfunction this past season than half the NHL combined? They're taking a risk here.
What kind of player will Kane be in British Columbia?
I'm all for judging others on the here and now, as long as they've shown that they left their past behind. That said, I'd like to see Kane embark on a successful run with the Canucks. But, knowing Kane's history, and the dysfunction the Canucks found themselves in, it's also appropriate to ask whether Vancouver's the right place for him. Yeah, he's from there. But still...
The Canucks, looking like one of the league's fastest-rising teams just two short years ago, hit a speed bump that saw tension in the locker room and culminated with J.T. Miller leaving town. Depending on how this offseason goes, more players could follow suit.
Is bringing Kane into this situation a bright idea? He's going from one of the league's most stable franchises to one that had grown more unstable by the minute. It's a move I wouldn't have made, but the deal's been done. We'll see what Kane makes of his latest change of scenery.
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