from Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press,

The bottom line on trading Kane, or any member of Cheveldayoff's team, has to be about benefitting the organization. Cheveldayoff isn't going to be offered a roster player of equal value. Teams are going to try to pry Kane away from Winnipeg with packages of picks and prospects.

For a fan base already screaming about the here and now, making a deal for tomorrow would be untenable.

The other side of the equation is maybe we've seen the best of Kane and he's never going to be a consistent 30-goal guy. Under that premise, trading Kane now would seem to be the right move if the return is strong. There's little evidence, however, to suggest Kane won't continue to improve and become a better and more valuable player.

Kane is flawed in that he doesn't see the ice very well and his goal production to date has been inconsistent. He might argue the same can be said of his linemates, and it's true Kane has been forced to play with a bit of a dog's breakfast during his three seasons in Winnipeg. He's also been an infrequent member of the No. 1 power-play unit. If Kane is to grow he needs both more opportunity and higher-quality opportunity.

Moving Kane would be premature. It's time to find out precisely what he is as a player and how far he can grow. Install him as the left wing on the top line.

Cheveldayoff will want to see if Kane can soar with these Jets before booking him on another out of town.

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