Evander Kane is a member of the Winnipeg Jets — at least for now.
Kane was asked about his future with the Jets in a Tuesday radio interview with Team 1040 in Vancouver, and the 22-year-old winger didn’t sound fully committed to the team.
Hosts Matt Sekeres and Pete Schaad: Evander, do you want to play for the Winnipeg Jets anymore?
Kane: Well, I think, uh, I’m a Winnipeg Jet right now and, um, you know there’s been speculation and rumors for the three years since I got there. You know, we’ll see what happens, and we’ll carry on as if I’m a Winnipeg Jet.
Sekeres and Schaad: There’s not a yes in there, and some Jets fans might say, “Why doesn’t he want to play for us?” or “Why isn’t he absolutely fully on board for playing for us?”
Kane: I’m training hard and getting ready for this season, and last summer I didn’t have a full year of training due to some surgery I had, so I found it really important for me to start training early and get in the best shape possible for this season, and that’s my focus.
Kane is an extraordinary talent, which is why the Jets probably would be hesitant about trading him. Not only is Kane capable of scoring 30-plus goals and playing like an elite power forward, he’s signed to a team-friendly contract with a salary cap hit of just $5.25 million through the 2017-18 season.
Injuries limited Kane to 63 games last season. He scored 19 goals and added 22 assists.
There’s no question Kane would be a good fit in Boston, where his power-forward style of play would transition him well into the team’s top six. Kane, who was the No. 4 pick in the 2009 draft, would thrive in a winning environment surrounded by experienced veterans. A change of scenery would benefit him greatly.
What are the chances Kane actually is dealt before the 2014-15 season? Considering the conservative nature of Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, don’t be surprised if Kane is in Winnipeg when opening night rolls around.
