Report: Agent for Canucks’ Kane given permission to find suitable trade partner
It appears the Vancouver Canucks‘ player auction will continue.
After having already shipped off star defenseman Quinn Hughes and forward Kiefer Sherwood, the Canucks have reportedly given Evander Kane’s agent permission to find a suitable trade partner for the veteran winger, according to Rick Dhaliwal.
Evander Kane's agent Dan Milstein has been given permission to help facilitate a trade for his client. #Canucks
Kane, 34, is in the final season of a four-year, $20.5 million contract, and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Any interested team would be acquiring Kane strictly as a rental for this season, unless they sign him to an extension prior to start of NHL free agency on July 1st.
The Vancouver native has a modified no-trade clause in his contract for this season, meaning the Canucks can only trade him to a team pre-approved by Kane.
This season, Kane has nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 51 games. Vancouver acquired him from the Edmonton Oliers this past offseason in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.
Kane spent all of last regular season on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) while recovering from abdominal surgery, but joined the Oilers for their playoff run to the Stanley Cup finals, contributing six goals and six assists for 12 points in 21 games.
Initially selected fourth overall by the since relocated Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Kane has gone on to play for five different franchises over 16 NHL seasons. While always a legitimate top-six forward, Kane’s best years came in his three-plus seasons with the San Jose Sharks from 2018 to 2021, when he put up 87 goals and 79 assists for 166 points over a total of 212 games.
Kane is no longer at the peak of his powers, but could still be a valuable addition to a contending team looking to improve its scoring depth.