Vancouver Canucks reportedly pitched direct trade to Edmonton Oilers

The Canucks find themselves second-last in the Western Conference as of this morning, and will be definite sellers when March 6 comes rolling around.

Some circles in the Vancouver media, in fact, believe it will be Evander Kane to go next, and not the much-talked about Kiefer Sherwood, whose value to a contender continues to climb.

Yet, one has to question if the former-Oiler is the answer to some of Edmonton's roster troubles this season.

With only 6G and 14 assists over 42 games, he is on pace for a career-worst campaign. Add to this the fact that Kane has been the physically impactful player the Canucks had hoped when they acquired him from the Oilers - well, it begs the question of what he would bring to Edmonton.

With his $5.125M AAV and pending free agent status at the age of 34, there may not be much interest in Kane from other teams, outside of a short-term rental.

Even his physical presence has diminished this season, with his 62 hits ranking him only fourth on the Canucks, as per Natural Stat Trick.

And his hits-per-60 rate of 6.11 is 11th on the team. Given he's not dropped the gloves as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, one has to ask what exactly is his value to an acquiring team?

Putting aside sentimental reactions for having the once fan-favourite back in an Oilers' jersey, his cost to Edmonton is the real question here.

According to a recent article by The Hockey News, a second round pick and maybe an additional late-round pick is more than what most teams would pay for Kane.

The book on Evander as an Oiler may just be closed.

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