Would A 6-year Deal Stop The Jets From Trading Kane?
The length of the contract and the money that’s likely to be involved tells you what GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the rest of the Jets organization thinks of Kane’s skills. He’s a true top-line winger with the ability to score at a point-per-game rate. Though a right winger, Kessel is the best comparison for Kane. They’re both shoot first, play defense later type players with 40-goal potential.
It should be noted that a contract extension may not preclude Cheveldayoff from trading the budding star. Kessel was traded as an RFA and rewarded as a Maple Leaf with his 5-year deal. If there’s a No Trade Clause (NTC) worked into Kane’s deal then clearly we’ll know that Kane wants to remain in Winnipeg – at least for the time being. However, if an NTC is not included Cheveldayoff will have one of the best young left wingers in the league playing for him and would certainly consider trading him should the right situation arise.
The Chicago Blackhawks, old Norris Division rivals and perennial big spenders, have been tied to Kane on more than one occasion. Cheveldayoff was also Chicago’s Assistant GM before taking the top job right here in Winnipeg. Should Cheveldayoff be in the mood to make a big splash, keep an eye on the Hawks.
I’ll leave you with a comparative look at all three players’ final entry level year:
|
Season |
Age |
Tm |
GP |
G |
A |
PTS |
GC |
+/- |
PIM |
EV |
PP |
SH |
GW |
S |
S% |
| Kane | |||||||||||||||
|
2011-12 |
20 |
WPG |
74 |
30 |
27 |
57 |
23 |
11 |
53 |
24 |
6 |
0 |
4 |
287 |
10.5 |
| Kessel | |||||||||||||||
|
2008-09 |
21 |
BOS |
70 |
36 |
24 |
60 |
26 |
23 |
16 |
28 |
8 |
0 |
6 |
232 |
15.5 |
| Tavares | |||||||||||||||
|
2011-12 |
21 |
NYI |
82 |
31 |
50 |
81 |
30 |
-6 |
26 |
24 |
7 |
0 |
8 |
286 |
10.8 |
Topics: Cheveldayoff, Evander Kane, Jets, Kessel, Tavares, Winnipeg


