Evander Kane linked to Stars and Avalanche (Image via: Getty Images) Trade rumors involving Vancouver Canucks forward Evander Kane have grown louder with the NHL trade deadline approaching. With the Canucks hovering in a transitional phase and Kane nearing the end of his contract, league executives are closely watching how Vancouver handles one of its most experienced and polarizing veterans. Kane’s name has surfaced frequently in recent weeks, not as a surprise but as a reflection of timing and market value. For a team weighing short-term competitiveness against long-term flexibility, moving an expiring asset is often a calculated decision rather than an emotional one.
Evander Kane trade rumors heat up as Stars, Avalanche emerge as contenders
According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have emerged as two likely trade destinations for Kane, citing interest from multiple league sources. Both teams are in the playoff mix and are looking to strengthen their forward group with proven experience. Even with a modest season statistically, Kane still offers qualities teams value at this stage, especially his experience and ability to play in high-pressure games. With his contract set to expire after the 2025–26 season, Kane is approaching unrestricted free agency, which places him firmly in the category of a short-term option for teams looking to bolster their lineup ahead of the trade deadline. For Vancouver, that creates leverage, particularly if multiple contenders remain engaged. From a performance standpoint, Kane’s current numbers are underwhelming by his standards. He has recorded nine goals and 14 assists across 50 games while posting a minus-17 rating. Those figures do not tell the entire story, however. Kane still plays with an edge that shows up in the hard areas of the ice. He is comfortable battling around the crease, finishing checks, and handling the physical demands that tend to increase once the games tighten up in the playoffs. In a more limited role, those traits can carry more weight than raw point totals. In Dallas, Kane would likely fit into a middle-six role, giving the Stars a bigger body and another shooting option behind an already deep forward group. Colorado presents a different but familiar picture. The Avalanche have a history of making assertive deadline moves and could see Kane as a support piece who complements their top-end talent rather than drives play on his own. How much salary either team can absorb, and whether Vancouver is willing to retain money, would ultimately shape how realistic those scenarios are. Clearing his contract would create flexibility, open a roster spot, and potentially bring back assets that help the organization in the longer term. It could also create room for younger players to take on larger roles. With the deadline approaching, Kane’s market seems relatively clear, leaving the Canucks to focus less on if a deal materializes and more on timing it to secure the best possible return.