Evander Kane Trade– The actual return on deadline day is frankly about what you probably should have expected.
EKane is without a doubt a high-level talent for any hockey player. But there are serious questions about his character and that past did not leave the minds of NHL GM’s.
Last season, there were apparent issues in the locker room due to Kane, and his previous problems in Winnipeg were well noted. So getting a decent prospect, a2nd round pick that can become a 1st round pick, and a 4th round pick is not too bad for now.
Looking at the trade over the course of the last few months, Botterill missed the market badly. Far too many teams joined the market with solid players available that didn’t have Kane’s character issues and Kane’s play also dropped since the 2018 began.
Botterill should have seen in December this wasn’t a playoff-caliber roster and pulled the trigger then. Hindsight is always 20/20 but part of the reason he is paid so much as a GM is understanding the roster and market, which Botterill failed to do in this instance.
Sabres Deadline Day – Truthfully, how can you not be woefully disappointed? You need a partner to dance and you can’t just give guys away either, but this season has been a tremendous disappointment in every sense of the word.
Moving a guy like Zemgus Girgensons, who could use a new place, would show perhaps you’re trying a bit to remake the roster and at minimum not settling for what you have.
After months of hearing “everyone but Eichel is available,” to see Kane being the only player moved is upsetting for all fans.
This fanbase is looking for any evidence that the Sabres organization has a pulse to how abysmal this team is and in my 29 years of cheering for the Sabres I can’t remember a time where things felt this despondent.
Botterill’s lack of action will only further the need to do more in reshaping the roster come summer.
Smart Trades– Tampa Bay and New York did well in their trade that sent J.T. Miller and Ryan McDonagh for Vladislav Namestnikov, a load of prospects, and draft picks.
- For Tampa Bay, it puts them squarely with Pittsburgh as the favorites in the East, and for the Rangers, it restocks the cupboard for a team that needs some youth badly
- I really liked the additions of Michael Grabner and Patrick Maroon to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils quietly have put together a young, fast skating roster with some real skill that is ahead of schedule and can certainly use two quality veterans like Grabner and Maroon. Those are the type of quiet additions that swing a playoff series upset for a young roster like New Jersey
- Boston better hope Rick Nash means at least a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals because it looks like the Rangers fleeced them in their trade.
- Nashville was better off not making major adjustments to their lineup minus the solid addition of Ryan Hartman at the deadline. The Predators have dominated all year and I wouldn’t tinker much more with the chemistry they have
- Finally good for the Winnipeg Jets, a team who play in a city with a poor reputation league wide to snag a guy like Paul Stastny. This year’s Jets remind me a lot of the Buffalo Sabres 2005-06 team, being that they are incredibly deep and talented in all areas with this postseason being their potential breakout party.