The Sabres will trade Evander Kane – But when?
The Fourth Period: The Buffalo Sabres appear to be at a point in the season where they are prepared to get serious about moving left wing Evander Kane. Sabres GM Jason Botterill is going to want to maximize his return on Kane and will be patient as he speaks with other clubs about possible packages. Kane, who leads the Sabres in goals (12) and points (23), has been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals.
Will the Edmonton Oilers trade Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?
The Hockey News: Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continues to surface in the NHL trade-rumor mill. Nugent-Hopkins has 17 points in 24 games entering this week, he’s third among Oilers’ scorers and on pace to reach a career-high 60 points. Nugent-Hopkins improvement is apparently attracting interest from clubs in need of depth at center. The Boston Bruins “kicked the tires” about the availability of Nugent-Hopkins and the Florida Panthers seek a top-six forward.
The Pittsburgh Penguins looking to trade Ian Cole
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins are prepared to trade Ian Cole but only if they get a prime asset, such as a quality center, in return. Jason Mackey reports the “primary suitors” for Penguins defenseman Ian Cole appears to be the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs. Cole, 28, is eligible for unrestricted free agency in July with a cap hit of $2.1 million this season. That figure is likely to soar, making it difficult for the Penguins to re-sign him.
