3 NHL players who should be very happy about Evander Kane’s contract

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 2: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks skates in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round against the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 2, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Evander Kane /

2 of 3

Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images /

2. Mark Stone

Even before Evander Kane’s deal, Ottawa Senators wing Mark Stone was set to cash in as a restricted free agent. There’s no question he’s one of the best wings in the league. Stone’s production puts him among the best right wings in the league. Most of those above him are either signed to deals that pay over $6 million annually or are on entry-level deals.

With Kane making $7 million annually, the Senators are going to have a very hard time convincing Stone he’s not worth at least that much, if not more. Not only is the Senators wing more productive, he’s also a much better all-around player. Wings rarely get nominated for the Selke Trophy, but Stone has been in the conversation, which is a testament to how great he is defensively.

In his last 127 games (last two seasons), Stone has 42 goals and 116 points. Quietly, he’s also put up four consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals and has at least 60 points in three of those four seasons. This is noticeably better than Kane. Though Evander is a better goal scorer, it’s undeniable Stone is the more productive and better all-around wing.

Everyone’s talking about Erik Karlsson in Ottawa right now, but don’t overlook Stone. He’s a critical guy for the Senators and they’re going to have to find a way to keep him.

Home/NHL Free Agency