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Sabres ‘need more from Evander Kane,’ says Bylsma

Edmonton Oilers v Buffalo Sabres

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 01: Evander Kane #9 of the Buffalo Sabres warms up to play the Edmonton Oilers at First Niagara Center on March 1, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jen Fuller/Getty Images)

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Dan Bylsma issued a challenge to Evander Kane following Saturday’s loss to the New Jersey Devils.

Kane took two penalties Saturday, including a hooking infraction in the offensive zone in the third period, and was removed from the top line in a 4-2 loss to New Jersey.

He was also in penalty trouble the previous night against the Devils, which resulted in an overtime loss for Buffalo.

Bylsma didn’t have much to say on the subject. But the message from the coach was clear: “Need more from Evander,” he told reporters, when asked about the decision to move Kane off the top line.

In four games, Kane has yet to record a point, with 10 penalty minutes. He did miss 11 games with broken ribs from a scary fall into the boards. The injury and lack of production represents a bad start to the season on the ice for Kane, who has been tied to trade speculation for months.

Among the teams previously rumored to have interest in Kane are the Vancouver Canucks.

From Elliotte Friedman during Hockey Night in Canada:

“He came back the other night. There were a lot of scouts in there watching Buffalo that night. You know, Vancouver’s been talked about but I think what Buffalo is finding out is the return, the offers, just aren’t there.”

The Sabres have now lost four in a row. They play the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.