Evander Kane

[CaptainChef]

I think there might be a bit of chicken and egg going on here. Does Kane play with crap players because he doesn't play well with others OR does Kane not play well with others because he's playing with crap players?

I saw a lot more sharing the puck, vision, and offensive smarts/ play with Kane last season. I think he has the ability to be better at it and I think if he plays with guys who can also handle the puck and get it back to him I'd bet he develops that part of his game even more.

I don't buy that the org. is putting him with crap players because he wastes good players and is better on his own. They put him with crap players because he is the best at creating chances by himself and that is what the team needed with our lack of depth. I fully expect Kane to play with better players this year and if he can build chemistry with Perreault for example, I'd bet he will play more of a team game with the puck offensively.

Don't get me wrong, Kane is a spotlight guy and will ALWAYS want the puck and want to shoot it (and that's what makes great scorers great), but I think he will incorporate the other part into his game because he realizes that a great puck handler/ shooter who will pass at will is far more scary for defensemen.

I love playing against guys who hog the puck. Sure, the really good ones might manage an inside out move or double toe drag on me occasionally, and sometimes just through the very skill of their shot score, but more often than not I can just look at their shoulders and cause them to button hook, go wide, or take the puck from them. The guys that I hate are the ones that draw me to them and then dish the puck. They force you to play them more conservatively which allows them more space to make a move or take a shot.

Seems to me you have destroyed your argument for Kane's usefulness by your last paragraph. Kane is your classic hog the puck, try to beat the defenseman or shoot the puck from any distance guy. Very rarely he will resort to passing the puck, its so rare as to be totally unexpected.

Indeed a guy like that is ultra easy to defense. Is he learning to play a different style - all indications are no. Is he learning to shut up and quit arguing with the refs - not really. Is he learning to quit taking stupid penalties (and still yap at the refs about it) - no.

He's been in the league too long to be still playing the style that he is. I see little improvement in his game -- my take is that other teams have learned that the only way Kane can beat you is by giving him a lane on the outside -- take that away and you've eliminated most of Kane's good scoring chances.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I think Kane is a dick. But that doesn't mean he's not a good player. He's just not nearly as good as mny people think and for that reason I think he's great trade bait. He had an amazing NHL start and his production is falling off. Oh sure you can explain it away with all sorts of theories and numbers and try and blame his linemates but his job is to score, not to come up with excuses.

Feels like I`m not really adding anything new I haven't already said before. So maybe I'll just say who needs a young arrogant prima donna who doens't want to be here? Cuz guess what.. pretty sure he doesn't want to be here folks.

..... who can score 30-40 goals/yr? We do.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Seems to me you have destroyed your argument for Kane's usefulness by your last paragraph. Kane is your classic hog the puck, try to beat the defenseman or shoot the puck from any distance guy. Very rarely he will resort to passing the puck, its so rare as to be totally unexpected.

Indeed a guy like that is ultra easy to defense. Is he learning to play a different style - all indications are no. Is he learning to shut up and quit arguing with the refs - not really. Is he learning to quit taking stupid penalties (and still yap at the refs about it) - no.

He's been in the league too long to be still playing the style that he is. I see little improvement in his game -- my take is that other teams have learned that the only way Kane can beat you is by giving him a lane on the outside -- take that away and you've eliminated most of Kane's good scoring chances.

That's not what I saw of him last year playing with better linemates. Remember that much of the time the past 2 years his linemates have not simply been sub-optimal, they have been terrible. Lets see what he does this year.

 

[Jet]

Seems to me you have destroyed your argument for Kane's usefulness by your last paragraph. Kane is your classic hog the puck, try to beat the defenseman or shoot the puck from any distance guy. Very rarely he will resort to passing the puck, its so rare as to be totally unexpected.

Indeed a guy like that is ultra easy to defense. Is he learning to play a different style - all indications are no. Is he learning to shut up and quit arguing with the refs - not really. Is he learning to quit taking stupid penalties (and still yap at the refs about it) - no.

He's been in the league too long to be still playing the style that he is. I see little improvement in his game -- my take is that other teams have learned that the only way Kane can beat you is by giving him a lane on the outside -- take that away and you've eliminated most of Kane's good scoring chances.

Destroyed my argument? No, I am saying that I think Kane is smart enough to realize being a one trick pony will only get you so far.

Kane -- the one that is selfish and has tunnel vision has such good speed, strength and shot that he can be an above average scorer using these skills. Kane -- one that develops his passing and offensive game is a far more dangerous beast that can be a devastating scorer in this league. I think Kane is smart and I think Kane is driven to be the best.

I believe he will try to develop his game now that he knows what he can already do in the NHL and what he might do.


But, as others have pointed out, not everyone has that special knack, vision and ability to process the game at that level. I'm not ready to count him out yet. I don't think he will ever do it at an elite level, but he might develop it enough to allow himself better scoring opportunities by throwing defenders off.

As for your counter assertions: you may not have seen it but I saw a dynamic in his game last year at times that I hadn't seen before. I think you are wrong about him trying to develop a different style. I think it's wrong for you to claim that a kid that's just 23 (no matter how long he's been in the league) is incapable of change, and finally, I think your line about him arguing with the ref and taking dumb penalties exposed your dislike for him and by further extension bias towards seeing improvement.

That's JMO, though.

 

[CaptainChef]

If there is another player on the Jets who complains to the refs more and appears to be despised by them (to the point where they give him penalties more readily than the next guy), I'd like you to tell me who it is.

I won't single Kane out as the only one of the Jets that has an inclination to take stupid or lazy penalties, but he certainly ranks among the top of the jets in that regard too. As I said though, the refs often do have it out for him, so many of the penalties he gets called for are soft calls

 

[Aavco Cup]

If there is another player on the Jets who complains to the refs more and appears to be despised by them (to the point where they give him penalties more readily than the next guy), I'd like you to tell me who it is.

I won't single Kane out as the only one of the Jets that has an inclination to take stupid or lazy penalties, but he certainly ranks among the top of the jets in that regard too. As I said though, the refs often do have it out for him, so many of the penalties he gets called for are soft calls

One way that Maurice could help this team to the playoffs is to cut down on the number of times shorthanded. Only 5 teams were shorthanded more times than the Jets. If we end the season with more PP goals than we give up, it would do wonders in the standings.

 

[KingBogo]

If there is another player on the Jets who complains to the refs more and appears to be despised by them (to the point where they give him penalties more readily than the next guy), I'd like you to tell me who it is.

I won't single Kane out as the only one of the Jets that has an inclination to take stupid or lazy penalties, but he certainly ranks among the top of the jets in that regard too. As I said though, the refs often do have it out for him, so many of the penalties he gets called for are soft calls

There aren't any, and this is something he needs to mature out of. He is not the first young star to do a lot of complaining to refs, but at some point you have to realize this hurts you and the team.

 

[Jet]

If there is another player on the Jets who complains to the refs more and appears to be despised by them (to the point where they give him penalties more readily than the next guy), I'd like you to tell me who it is.

I won't single Kane out as the only one of the Jets that has an inclination to take stupid or lazy penalties, but he certainly ranks among the top of the jets in that regard too. As I said though, the refs often do have it out for him, so many of the penalties he gets called for are soft calls

I'm not arguing that. Kane really has to learn how to keep his mouth shut. I think he does get treated unfairly by the refs but I think it's because he yaps at them too much. I had the same problem with my team and led my team in pims every year. I resolved to not say one word to the refs besides shaking their hand at the end of games and thanking them and bingo, I was almost in lady byng territory.

The point I was trying to make is we were talking about Kane's offensive prowess and ability to distribute the puck, use his teammates, and whether or not he could develop that part of the game. You responded with the referee bit which, to me, shows bias against Kane. It's fine if you don't like him... everyone has favorite players and not so favorite players. All I'm trying to say is if you don't like the guy, you aren't going to believe he has the ability to become a better player. I think he still can.

This season is going to be very interesting watching Kane, Pavelec, and Bogosian just to name a few.

Can't wait!

 

[Jet]

One way that Maurice could help this team to the playoffs is to cut down on the number of times shorthanded. Only 5 teams were shorthanded more times than the Jets. If we end the season with more PP goals than we give up, it would do wonders in the standings.

Another way is to actually make opponents fear our PP. Someone has to figure it out.

 

[CaptainChef]

I'm not arguing that. Kane really has to learn how to keep his mouth shut. I think he does get treated unfairly by the refs but I think it's because he yaps at them too much. I had the same problem with my team and led my team in pims every year. I resolved to not say one word to the refs besides shaking their hand at the end of games and thanking them and bingo, I was almost in lady byng territory.

The point I was trying to make is we were talking about Kane's offensive prowess and ability to distribute the puck, use his teammates, and whether or not he could develop that part of the game. You responded with the referee bit which, to me, shows bias against Kane. It's fine if you don't like him... everyone has favorite players and not so favorite players. All I'm trying to say is if you don't like the guy, you aren't going to believe he has the ability to become a better player. I think he still can.

This season is going to be very interesting watching Kane, Pavelec, and Bogosian just to name a few.

Can't wait!

I obviously don't like Kane as much as some, and I would never rate him as our # 1 prospect under 25 (which the AIH writers have done in the past). But, when he is focussed and on his game he is indeed worthy of all the praise he gets.

On the whole, just see too much downside with Kane going forward and not enough upside. This year should be telling. I'd be really happy if he modifies his game to be more than just a goal scorer, learns to use his linemates properly, and learns to keep his yap shut -- to both the refs and media. Much like Wheeler can be, he's a boom or bust kind of player, just hope he gets in with a decent line this year & plays smarter.

 

[ihadtochangethename]

I'm not arguing that. Kane really has to learn how to keep his mouth shut. I think he does get treated unfairly by the refs but I think it's because he yaps at them too much. I had the same problem with my team and led my team in pims every year. I resolved to not say one word to the refs besides shaking their hand at the end of games and thanking them and bingo, I was almost in lady byng territory.

The point I was trying to make is we were talking about Kane's offensive prowess and ability to distribute the puck, use his teammates, and whether or not he could develop that part of the game. You responded with the referee bit which, to me, shows bias against Kane. It's fine if you don't like him... everyone has favorite players and not so favorite players. All I'm trying to say is if you don't like the guy, you aren't going to believe he has the ability to become a better player. I think he still can.

This season is going to be very interesting watching Kane, Pavelec, and Bogosian just to name a few.

Can't wait!

luckily no one has to "like" someone for that person to excel at any one thing. Im sure evander will be fine, here and elsewhere, guy is too driven, and clearly puts in the work.

 

[Derfel*]

On the whole, just see too much downside with Kane going forward and not enough upside. This year should be telling. I'd be really happy if he modifies his game to be more than just a goal scorer, learns to use his linemates properly, and learns to keep his yap shut -- to both the refs and media. Much like Wheeler can be, he's a boom or bust kind of player, just hope he gets in with a decent line this year & plays smarter.

I don't think Kane has lived up to expectations quite yet, and in that way perhaps he has too much "downside" - but he's young yet. I think he's still (for lack of a better word) "malleable" - some minor tweaks to his play and a better lineup beside him can really unlock the potential that is there. I think this year is really going to "define his legacy" as either an "A" player or a "B" player.

(I may have mixed up my metaphors a bit too much - it's been a long morning!)

 

[SensibleGuy]

I wonder if Kane wants to embrace Wheeler right now...or perhaps just punch him in the gut.

 

[ihadtochangethename]

I wonder if Kane wants to embrace Wheeler right now...or perhaps just punch him in the gut.

huh...

 

[SensibleGuy]

There's a fresh interview with Wheeler making the rounds in which he is quoted as saying "Evander is not a young guy anymore and it's time for him to step up and become a leader on this team..." or words to that effect. Not anything particularly crazy really but it's a bit unusual for one player to make such a specific comment about another...

 

[ihadtochangethename]

where can i find this?

 

[surixon]

There's a fresh interview with Wheeler making the rounds in which he is quoted as saying "Evander is not a young guy anymore and it's time for him to step up and become a leader on this team..." or words to that effect. Not anything particularly crazy really but it's a bit unusual for one player to make such a specific comment about another...

Well it is high time that Evander to takes on a leadership role. It is interesting that Wheeler stated it in public though

 

[Analyst365]

There's a fresh interview with Wheeler making the rounds in which he is quoted as saying "Evander is not a young guy anymore and it's time for him to step up and become a leader on this team..." or words to that effect. Not anything particularly crazy really but it's a bit unusual for one player to make such a specific comment about another...

Why is everything other than blatant, literal, patronizing interpreted as being unusual, or potentially controversial?

Christ, life's not always a pyjama party.

 

[SensibleGuy]

umm...becuase it IS unusual for a player to comment directly on another player? I wasn't saying there was anything wrong with it. Personally I'd like to see more of it cuz it's interesting. But it often isn't taken too well by the commentee...

 

[ihadtochangethename]

Kane is the last Jet i'd be calling out for his on-ice performance, but ok. I havent heard the interview, was it done today? please let me know if H&l laments on it and turns it into the first Kane has to go of the season.

 

[SensibleGuy]

Kane is the last Jet i'd be calling out for his on-ice performance, but ok. I havent heard the interview, was it done today? please let me know if H&l laments on it and turns it into the first Kane has to go of the season.

I don't know if I'd call it calling him out for his on-ice performance. In fact I'd guess it might be more a calling out on his off-ice performance actually...

 

[truck]

There's a fresh interview with Wheeler making the rounds in which he is quoted as saying "Evander is not a young guy anymore and it's time for him to step up and become a leader on this team..." or words to that effect. Not anything particularly crazy really but it's a bit unusual for one player to make such a specific comment about another...

I imagine he was asked about Kane. He didn't say anything unreasonable or pointed. IMO, nothing to see here.

 

[SensibleGuy]

I imagine he was asked about Kane. He didn't say anything unreasonable or pointed. IMO, nothing to see here.

OK fair enough. You did notice the part of the post you quoted where I indicated it was "nothing particularly crazy" right?

 

[YWGinYYZ]

I imagine he was asked about Kane. He didn't say anything unreasonable or pointed. IMO, nothing to see here.

Personally, I don't think Wheeler would have said it if he didn't think he could step forward as one of the 'leaders' - sometimes the best motivation comes from your peers, and as someone who's outscored a scoring guy, it probably lends weight to his statement.

 

[Jet]

Why is everything other than blatant, literal, patronizing interpreted as being unusual, or potentially controversial?

Christ, life's not always a pyjama party.

Do you follow pro sports at all, especially hockey?