After years of speculation and rumors, Evander Kane realizes that his time with the Buffalo Sabres may be coming to an end.
"Obviously I'm aware of my situation and things are probably going to happen with the position we're in as a team," Kane told reporters on Wednesday. "It's something that I'm aware of but I'm taking it one day at and a time and one game at a time."
Kane, 26, is in the final year of his contract and is putting up arguably his best numbers as a Sabre. In 44 games this season, Kane has 16 goals and 20 assists [36 points], just seven points shy of his total from last season [43 points, 70 games].
McKenzie: "Evander Kane is one of the players that Jim Rutherford has been talking to Jason Botterill, his former employee, about." Scoring winger might be luxury #Pens can't afford though. #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) January 16, 2018
In recent weeks, the what has seemed like non-stop speculation surrounding Kane's future has ramped up. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Sabres GM Jason Botterill is seeking a first-round pick, an NHL player, a prospect and a conditional draft pick if Kane is resigned by the team he's traded to.
While Kane is trying to avoid the noise and speculation surrounding his name, he is also aware that the future remains uncertain.
"I'm not holding my breath, that's for sure," Kane added. "I'm aware of the situation that our team is in and the position that I'm in with my contract. You know, it's part of the business and it's not something that I worry about or concern myself too much with. I'm just focused on each and every game and with the break, you're able to get that focus a little bit tighter, so it's good."
There is still no timetable on when a deal might happen but with the NHL Trade Deadline [Feb. 26] looming, you can bet that speculation surrounding Kane won't end anytime soon.
Evander Kane on continuous trade speculation:
"Obviously I'm aware of my situation and things are probably going to happen with the position were in as a team," @WKBW pic.twitter.com/jWBHPk1QLv
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) January 17, 2018
