Vancouver Canucks consider contract termination as Evander Kane trade market dries up before deadline

The trade talks of Evander Kane have lasted long enough to extend over months, but with the March 6, 2013, NHL trade deadline close at hand, pressure is starting to play out. The Vancouver Canucks have taken up various options to sell the old winger, but nothing substantial has taken shape.

League sources say that even the League has accepted Kane's input to hold a dialogue with other interested clubs in an attempt to jump-start a deal in Vancouver. Yet, with the clock running out, an even more radical solution is starting to be brought up in NHL trade rumors and general NHL news.

Evander Kane and the Vancouver Canucks face a March 6 deadline decision

The front office of the Vancouver Canucks has been reported to have offered to retain some of Kane's 5.125 million cap hit to ease a transfer. Regardless of that latitude, competitor executives have not been keen on giving up mid-round draft resources in the name of a player with an expiring contract and minimal output.

In 55 games this season, Evander Kane has scored nine goals and 25 points, which are not impressive numbers for a physically strong, top-nine winger in a contract year. That line of scoring has not created a sense of urgency in playoff competitors looking to strengthen their offense before the NHL match today and the postseason.

Kane was briefly speculated to be returning to the Edmonton Oilers, but the talks appeared to fizzle. The Canucks might have to reconsider the strategy in the absence of a motivated buyer coming out.

Termination of the contract, which is rare, would be clear and would make both parties proceed. Nevertheless, there is a reputation and financial risk involved in such a move. With the NHL trade deadline only days away, decision-making by Vancouver should focus on whether to reduce its price or expect a solution that few had forecasted at the beginning of the season.


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