That latter aspect of Kane’s game is something Vancouver felt it sorely lacked last season. This was a roster that just wasn’t nearly big enough or heavy enough in the organization’s estimation, especially following the J.T. Miller trade. It was a skill set the club was willing to roll the dice on.

The reaction to the Vancouver Canucks acquiring Evander Kane for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 Draft has been mixed—ranging from confused head-scratching to cautious optimism.