Here is the list of current NHL players who scored 30 goals in a season at age 20: Alexander Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos, Ryan Smyth, Jaromir Jagr, Jonathan Toews, Evgeni Malkin, Anze Kopitar, Patrice Bergeron, Marian Gaborik.
And Evander Kane.
Paul Maurice knew what would happen when he scratched Kane in Toronto over the weekend, especially since he felt it was important to play his "best lineup" even though the Jets were out of the playoff race. But it doesn't necessarily mean this story ends with the most obvious conclusion -- a trade out of Manitoba.
Even if that's what Kane really wants.
There have always been questions about how strong this marriage really is. Kane signed just before business closed prior to the 2012 lockout. It was a bit of a surprise, as earlier that day, there was a belief things wouldn't get done. He's under contract for four more seasons at a cap hit of $5.25 million US, although his salary rises above that number.
He played hard through a bad wrist once play resumed - on-pace for 29 goals over a full season. This year's been a disappointment, although there would be plenty of bidders if he were available.
There is strong statistical evidence Kane is entering the prime scoring years of his NHL career. That's a very good contract for a player of his ability. From the list above, only Bergeron and Gaborik had a lower cap hit on their second contracts. (Jagr and Smyth not included. Different era.)
Kane is 22. Every organization's biggest enemy today is patience, both internal and external. Montreal fans wanted Carey Price traded because they thought he was immature. What if that had happened? Philadelphia felt it had very legitimate reasons to trade Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. The Flyers got some real good players in return, but Los Angeles took the chance on both (eventually) and it paid off with a Stanley Cup.
It just shows you how hard it is to win trades once a team decides it absolutely must get rid of someone -- especially if that player has established himself as a true NHLer. If other clubs feel you're in a position of weakness, it's worse. Teams now have to ask themselves if they really tried all available options before giving up on skilled young talent.
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