Report: Kane comments on trade speculation and upcoming free agency

Buffalo Sabres star forward Evander Kane has been at the center of trade rumors for seemingly his entire career. Drafted 4th overall in 2009 by the now-extinct Atlanta Thrashers (turned Winnipeg Jets), Kane has been at the heart of controversies for years, called out for his personality and lifestyle that doesn't fit the hockey player norm.

He turns a shoulder to all that - claiming in an interview with The Athletic's Craig Custance that "it's something that is two years old. Some is warranted. I think a lot of it, especially in the past in Winnipeg, wasn’t. For me, it’s not something I worry about. I let my on-ice play do the talking. I think off the ice, more than ever, you have to have personality if you want to sell the game. If the league wants to continue to grow, you have to have not the status quo. Not, 'Put your head down and do your job and go home and shut your mouth.'"

These are words very similar to those uttered by the likes of Jack Eichel and P.K. Subban in the past.

In regards to trade speculation and free agency, he had this to say.

"You know what? I’m not necessarily trying to block it out, I just don’t focus on it. It’s not going to do you any good or help your case or your team. For me, I just embrace it. I enjoy it. It’s something that you have to be aware of.

When you're a free agent, there’s a lot of different things that can happen," he added. "But really the only thing you can control is your play on the ice and help your team win, that’s all I’m trying to do this season."

He shot down the idea that he had requested a trade at any point in Buffalo. "No. This is a completely different scenario [from Winnipeg]. I love the guys in here. I’ve enjoyed playing in Buffalo, I’ve enjoyed the city. I really like the group in here. It’s really been a plus for me."

With 10 goals and 8 assists in 19 games, Kane is on track to have a career year as he heads towards free agency. He appears ready to discuss the possibility of extending with the Sabres, but teams are calling. He will be priced at a premium, and likely demand a very lucrative contract on July 1st.

It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out.