The Vancouver Canucks’ season has unraveled quickly. Sitting at the bottom of the league with a 17-30-5 record and losses in 13 of their last 14 games, the organization has clearly shifted its focus toward the future.
With the Canucks already moving key pieces in recent blockbuster trades, attention has now turned to what comes next for veteran forward Evander Kane.
Canucks Close the Book on Evander Kane Decision
Vancouver acquired Kane from the Edmonton Oilers during the offseason, hoping his combination of physical play and scoring punch would help stabilize the lineup. That hasn’t materialized. Through 51 games, Kane has managed just 24 points while posting a minus-18 rating and averaging 16:53 of ice time per night.
According to NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks have now taken the next step by allowing Kane’s agent to explore trade options. “Evander Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein has been given permission to help facilitate a trade for his client,” Dhaliwal reported on X.
The move signals another step in Vancouver’s pivot toward a rebuild, following the recent departures of star defenseman Quinn Hughes and forward Kiefer Sherwood.
Kane is in the final year of his four-year, $20.5 million contract. And is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. His deal includes a modified no-trade clause. As things stand, any acquiring team would view Kane as a rental unless an extension is worked out.
Two contenders have reportedly emerged as possible landing spots. The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche. NHL analyst Trevor Beggs explained the financial hurdles involved.
“Both the Avs and the Stars are right up against the cap, meaning the Canucks would assuredly have to retain to make a deal happen,” Beggs said. “Based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Canucks can only retain up to half of Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit, meaning they could hold back $2.56 million in a Kane trade.”
As it stands, Dallas is set to have about $3.2M in cap space at the deadline. Colorado is expected to have just over $5 million available.
While Kane hasn’t met expectations in Vancouver, he still offers a physical presence and secondary offense, especially when playing alongside linemates who can push the pace. That combination could be attractive to a playoff contender searching for depth and a bit of bite.
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For the moment, Kane remains with the Canucks as trade discussions continue, with Vancouver set to face the Sharks on Tuesday.
I do not understand the value of having an agent explore trades. I thought that was the job of a GM and his staff. What can an agent do that the GM cannot. I would get it if the thing blocking the trade was an extension, but that is not likely an issue with Kane. He is unlikely to be extended anywhere he goes but if that was the issue, it could be done after a trade.