With the NHL trade rumors mill going crazy yesterday that Evander Kane could sign with the Edmonton Oilers after GM Ken Holland stated in his presser that the Oilers have contacted Kane.
Just because Holland said they were interested does not mean Kane will sign with the Oilers. He might see a better chance at winning a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers or Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal reports if the Oilers do not sign Kane they should look at making a trade for Montreal Canadiens power forward Josh Anderson.
Matheson went on to say, Anderson isn’t cheap, would the Habs at least listen to an offer of a first-round pick in 2022, forward Xavier Bourgault and something else?
Anderson does own an eight-team no-trade list and he is in his second year of a seven-year $5.5 million per season deal.
I would be very surprised if the Habs decided to trade Andy. Depending on the direction they go with the rebuild, I think they will want to keep a few veterans around. Apparently the Habs wanted a player like Anderson for a long time. He is their only forward with any toughness, plus he has leadership qualities and can be a mentor to the young Montreal core. Anything can happen, but I really don’t see him leaving.