Nashville Predators Rumors: Scouts are Checking Out Evander Kane

Fresh in the midst of a four-game winning streak for the Nashville Predators, now we’re seeing news that they could be looking to add some extra baggage to the locker room.

According to multiple reports, including from Hockey Hound, Evander Kane is being scouted by six NHL teams, including your Nashville Predators. Kane will make his AHL debut for the San Jose Sharks affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda:

Nashville Predators shouldn’t mess with what’s working

There’s no denying Kane’s talent level on the ice that borderlines elite status. He’s a gifted scorer and a menace to handle defensively. However, he’s also got a ton of off-the-ice drama that could be toxic for a young locker room like the Nashville Predators.

Kane has had multiple issues off the ice including using a fake vaccine card and allegations of domestic abuse.  Maybe he’ll turn a corner for the better wherever he ends up, but it also carries the risk of being a major distraction for whichever team takes that high risk. The Predators shouldn’t be one of those teams.

The other five reported teams to be sending scouts to Kane’s first AHL game on Saturday are the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars. All of those teams still have playoff aspirations, and Stanley Cup hopes for that matter.

Out of all six teams, Kane could end up landing on a team that already has a strong core of veterans who maybe could keep the drama in check. If that were to happen, then Kane could obviously end up providing a huge offensive boost.

Again, this shouldn’t even be considered for a young, growing team like the Predators that’s finally starting to build some strong line chemistry.

I can see teams like the Maple Leafs, Bruins or Penguins bringing Kane on board to really put them over the top if he behaves and checks all of his baggage at the door.

Furthermore, I actually don’t think the Predators are in a current position that makes sense to be adding any big superstars. They need to stay the course with what they’re building, and really look forward to the long-term future of building a strong foundation again.

You’re finally starting to see the Predators offense click and become a more well-rounded team with their top core veterans all producing at respectable levels. Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and even Nick Cousins are all producing. Why mess with that?

As surprising as the Predators have been by currently sitting in 2nd place in the Central Division with a 16-10-1 record, they’re not a viable deep playoff contender. Adding someone like Kane could dramatically blow up in their faces and derail the season.

We’ll see how this season evolves, and if the Nashville Predators keep up their winning ways. Then maybe they can consider making some additions ahead of the March 21 trade deadline to try to make a solid run towards something special.

As of now in mid-December, keep moving forward with what you have because it’s really gaining steam and working. Hard pass on Evander Kane.