ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hours after reports surfaced that general manager Doug Wilson is asking about Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson, another high-profile named started getting linked to the Sharks.
According to TSN insider Bob McKenzie, the Sharks are among the teams looking into a trade for Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane.
I don’t get the sense the teams who are interested in E Kane in BUF are same teams who were/are chasing Nash with NYR but Kane suitors will no doubt want to see what is potential yield on any Nash deal. SJ, ANA and, to lesser extent PHI, reportedly looking at E Kane.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2018
Just as Karlsson’s a moonshot to play with the Sharks, it seems unlikely that Kane will land in Silicon Valley before the NHL’s trade deadline expires at 12 p.m. Monday.
First, Kane is a pending unrestricted free agent and Wilson has made it abundantly clear throughout the season that the Sharks won’t be trading first-round picks and prospects this winter for short-term rentals.
Considering that the Boston Bruins gave up a first-round pick, a seventh-round pick, a prospect and two roster players to bring in pending-unrestricted free agent Rick Nash from the New York Rangers, the Sharks would probably need to pay a pretty penny to acquire Kane.
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With that in mind, the Sharks would only trade for Kane if they knew they could sign him to a long-term contract extension. Otherwise, they’d simply go after him in free agency this summer, dipping into the more than $20 million in cap space they’ll have available instead of giving up several pieces to acquire his services.
Signing Kane to a longterm extension seems particularly implausible considering the emphasis that Wilson places on character, the embattled forward’s checkered past and head coach Pete DeBoer’s relationship with Winnipeg Jets bench boss Paul Maurice.
Keep in mind, Maurice gave DeBoer his first coaching job, so it’s safe to assume that he might have heard a thing or two about the infamous tracksuit incident that ended Kane’s tumultuous tenure in Winnipeg.
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That said, two scouts from the Sabres attended the Sharks game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday. It might be a situation where the Sharks wind up being part of a multi-team trade to make the numbers work. Wilson could also be interested in picking up another bottom line player, such as Benoit Pouliot, or maybe he’s learned that Kane has matured significantly over the last few years and he sees him as a longterm fit.
The reports out of Buffalo are that Kane’s character issues are an overblown story, but his reputation could bring down his asking price, making him more affordable for the Sharks.
Stay tuned.
2. Braun questionable, DeBoer shuffles things up.
The Sharks (33-21-8) threw tinder on the trade rumor fire Sunday with Justin Braun’s absence from their morning skate in Minnesota.
The news sparked immediate speculation on social media that Braun could be on the move or that defenseman Tim Heed, who’s drawing into the lineup, is being showcased for a trade.
According to DeBoer, Braun’s absence is more innocent.
“He’s down with the flu, so we’ll see how he is at game time,” the Sharks coach said.
For what it’s worth, the media requested to speak with Braun after the Sharks loss in Chicago Friday and he wasn’t immediately available, which sometimes means that a player is receiving treatment for an injury. It’s quite possible that the whole thing is much ado about nothing.
Regardless, DeMelo will skate on Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s right side against the Minnesota Wild (34-20-7) Sunday while Heed joins Brenden Dillon on the third pairing.
Meanwhile, DeBoer shuffled up his forward lines in an attempt to make the Sharks offense more dangerous after it scored just two goals in the team’s back-to-back losses.
Melker Karlsson moved up to Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl’s line, Kevin Labanc slid down to Chris Tierney and Mikkel Boedker’s line while Jannik Hansen will skate on the bottom unit with Barclay Goodrow and Eric Fehr.
“We’ve lost two in a row, we haven’t scored,” DeBoer said, explaining his line changes. “That’s one of the tools you have as a coach.”
3. Sharks hope that the Joel Ward trade reports are overblown.
Teams lose friends every year at the trade deadline, over the summer, as part of the natural business that is professional hockey.
It doesn’t make the process any easier.
Like the rest of the hockey world, the Sharks learned Saturday that Ward, one of the most likable guys in the dressing room, was asked to submit his no-trade list to management, suggesting he could be shipped out of town before Monday’s deadline.
Joel Ward hits trade market. SJ has asked for his no trade list. Ward can block 6 teams. List will be submitted within 24 hrs. Good vet.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 24, 2018
“When someone’s such a good teammate like Wardo, such a good person, it is tough to see,” captain Joe Pavelski said. “You hope that doesn’t happen. First off, we’re fighting for a spot and a chance, and he’s been a big part of this team over the last three years.
“If something does have to happen, you hope it’s a great situation for him.”
DeBoer said the reports are in no way a guarantee that Ward is on the move.
“That’s just teams doing business this time of year,” he said. “Most teams are asking guys for their lists in case something pops up. I’m sure if Erik Karlsson becomes available for Joel Ward he might have to move. Other than that, I’m sure it’s just business.”
For the record, DeBoer made the Karlsson statement with a smile and a laugh.