In late December, in an effort to spread the Sabres scoring to more than one line, Phil Housley broke up Evander Kane and Jack Eichel. Kane was placed with Ryan O’Reilly and Eichel was placed with a variety of wingers. In the 15 games since then Eichel has 10G and 10A while Kane has scored two measly goals. Eichel’s linemates (Okposo and occasionally Reinhardt) have begun scoring while ROR and Kane have disappeared.
At first blush you might say no big deal. One line is picking up for the other. The point here, however, is Sabres are still losing and Kane’s trade value is going down.
The Sabres are not good. They are not making the playoffs. Kane will be traded. He needs to continue to score. The more he scores the more the Sabres will get for him. The longer he and Eichel are apart the less value he will have. Eichel make ANYONE he plays with better. Kane does not. He is a shoot first, fast power forward. Many teams cover that type of player. Especially someone who was on pace for 35-40 goals. At his present rate however the interest in a 20 goal guy v a 35 goal guy won’t generate the offers needed to restock this franchise.
It’s not about winning the next few weeks. We need to maximize his value. Put 15 and Evander back together. Get Kane scoring again. It’s best for the long term of this team.