By: Zach Carlone | Follow me on Twitter! @zcarlone21
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and the Bruins have always been involved with the pursuit of some big names in recent years of moving players rumors. With the team’s win-now window quickly closing due to the aging of their stable and star-studded core made up of forwards Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins are a team that looks to add. Last season, it was former MVP and current Bruins winger Taylor Hall that Sweeney was able to pry from the struggling Buffalo Sabres. I’m sure Sweeney will be rumored to be heavily active again leading up to the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, but there’s one player from San Jose who shouldn’t be on Sweeney’s radar by any means.
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has had an eventful past six months and hasn’t participated in any NHL competition in that time. His mess off the ice could be substituted from his production on the ice, and the Bruins need to take note of that if there’s any rumor of the black and gold being interested in his services. Over the summer, the first round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft was accused of gambling on games as well as abusing his wife Anna sexually and physically. The NHL investigated the allegations but found no evidence. However, they did suspend Kane 21 games for submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.
After Kane’s suspension was lifted in November, the Sharks sent him to the AHL to determine the next steps. He actually played well, collecting two goals and eight points in five contests. As of January 8th, the Sharks terminated Kane’s contract, ultimately making him an unrestricted free agent for the rest of the season. Much of the drama off of the ice has derailed Kane’s career, making him a risky signing for any team involved. The Bruins shouldn’t even show interest because of it.
In his time as a productive NHL forward, the Canadian-native actually posted respectable numbers for a Sharks team that struggled at times over the past few seasons. In his last full season on the ice, Kane posted 22 goals and 49 points in 56 games during the shortened 2020-21 season. Since the 2015-16 season, Kane never posted less than 20 goals or 40 points in any given season. His production and skill around the net and in the dirty areas of the ice has always been apparent, making him a hot commodity for teams looking at his skill beyond the antics off the ice.
For the Bruins, their focus should lie in a different direction. Kane’s arrival to Boston, especially before any move involving forward Jake DeBrusk is made, will create a logjam on the wings and create much uncertainty for head coach Bruce Cassidy’s lineup. His numbers prove that he’s effective in a top-six role but the Bruins don’t have that type of room for him. The Bruins focus should remain on strengthening their center ice position as well as the left side of the defense. Pursuing Evander Kane would be an unnecessary distraction from those goals. Besides, the Bruins should avoid Kane and his baggage of trouble at all costs anyways.
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