KA’s patience may work well in this case. I don’t want to give up much in assets to get him, I think they can get him as a UFA next July.
If KA waits them out and no one else can fit him under their cap then Kane could land in his lap for a cheap return.
KA could also help his cause by weaponizing the cap to get Kane where he wants to go for a playoff run this year. The Sabres could gain an asset for making the deal happen and be #1 on Kane’s list for next year.