Let's say hypothetically, Kane loves it here. He considers Edmonton and the Oilers the bees knees.
The place where he wants to spend the rest of career here.
Reality is...he is in debt.
Let's say, he doesn't get any money from the San Jose situation.
He really has no choice but to accept the highest bidder to pay those off.
Oilers...unfortunately, in this particular off-season...cannot offer him anything but below his worth.
We know he's worth it, but it's just the reality of the numbers.
If we sign Kane to what he's worth now.
We possibly lose all of McLeod, Yamamoto, Puljujarvi, Kulak and possible new starting goalie.
Those are too many positions to fill with rookies. And those players have just gained some valuable experience as NHLers already.
It's kinda sad actually, he fits and brings much needed swagger to the team, and would no doubt produce career numbers here if he stayed.
If only all that background stuff was solved. Maybe there would be a chance.