Age: 24
Contract: $5.2 million through 2017-18
Introduction: Evander Kane made his Sabres debut this season after being acquired while injured from the Jets last season. It certainly was a weird season from Kane, who was able to quickly become a fan favorite due to his physical play and his work with children. Yet, he also faced sexual assault allegations but was never charged, and dealt with a knee injury, the second straight year that he missed significant time with an injury.
Key Stat: We were told coming into the season that Evander Kane shoots from everywhere, and boy was that true this season. Kane led the team with 199 shots, 29 more than Jack Eichel in second place, in only 65 games.
Thumbs Up: Kane started off slow, only scoring two goals in the first two months combined. However, it appeared the rust came off from November on, scoring 18 goals the rest of the way. It wouldn’t be outlandish to say that with a year under his belt with his new team and playing 20 games more than the year prior he’ll be able to put together a more complete season.
Thumbs Down: Kane isn’t the offensive weapon the Sabres hoped he’d be yet, but if he plays a full season and keeps up his usual three to six goal a month pace he’d be much closer to the 30-goal mark, where the Sabres would like him to be.
Memorable Moment: Kane fought Alex Petrovic three times in the Sabres’ Feb. 9 game against the Panthers, arguably winning all three bouts. He scored in the game too!
Voting: Using the good old grade school system of A, B, C, D, F, with A representing a great season (for the Sabres) C an average season, and F a very poor season, grade Evander Kane on his performance this year.
Voting: Using the good old grade school system of A, B, C, D, F, with A representing a great season (for the Sabres) C an average season, and F a very poor season, grade Evander Kane on his performance this year.
| A | 60 |
| B | 594 |
| C | 266 |
| D | 46 |
| F | 9 |