TAKING STOCK OF NHL TRADE BAIT

The reason why teams might be hesitant in acquiring Evander Kane at the trade deadline could have more to do with his recent production than reputation.

In the first three months of the season, the Buffalo Sabres winger scored 15 goals and 34 points in 38 games. Since then, he has four goals and five points in 22 games. Plus, he’s accrued 21 of his team-high 57 penalty minutes in the month of February. It’s something to consider when acquiring a rental player. Here is a look at which rentals have increased or decreased their value over the past month:

Increased value Rick Nash, N.Y. Rangers

First 3 months: 38GP, 9G, 8A, 17PTS Past 2 months: 22GP, 9G, 2A, 11PTS

Patrick Maroon, Edmonton

First 3 months: 39GP, 9G, 12A, 21PTS Past 2 months: 18GP, 5G, 4A, 9PTS

Thomas Vanek, Vancouver

First 3 months: 39GP, 12G, 16A, 28PTS Past 2 months: 21GP, 4G, 8A, 12PTS

Johnny Oduya, Ottawa

First 3 months: 34GP, 2G, 3A, 5PTS, minus-6 Past 2 months: 15GP, 2G, 1A, 3PTS, plus-8

Decreased value Mike Green, Detroit

First 3 months: 38GP, 4G, 18A, 22PTS, minus-3 Past 2 months: 18GP, 2G, 5A, 7PTS, minus-5

Michael Grabner, N.Y. Rangers

First 3 months: 38GP, 17G, 3A, 20PTS Past 2 months: 21GP, 8G, 3A, 11PTS

Tomas Plekanec, Montreal

First 3 months: 39GP, 4G, 12A, 16PTS Past 2 months: 20GP, 1G, 5A, 6PTS