Myers-Kane: Did the Sabres Just Get Robbed?

Tim Murray pulled the trigger on a massive trade today, sending the underperforming Tyler Myers, perennial goat Drew Stafford, prospects Joel Armia and Brendan Lemieux, and a 2015 first-round pick to the Winnipeg Jets. In return, Murray got the troubled Evander Kane, defenseman Zach Bogosian (a third overall pick in 2008) and goaltending prospect Jason Kasdorf.

With so many prospects and a pick being sent out the door, it feels a little like the Sabres' were getting sloppy with the stash house and that's when Omar Little hits that shit.

The trade marks the end of a long dramatic saga for Kane who found himself at odds with both coaches and players in Winnipeg. It would be convenient for us to argue that the Jets culture was a poisonous one or Kane's injury was mishandled to the point of dysfunction. But, reports suggests the problem was mostly between Kane's ears. So from Buffalo's point of view, this part of the trade is essentially a flyer on what could be a troubled player (ring any bells Bills fans?)

The biggest factors than will decide how this trade is seen in the future will be the fates of Myers and Bogosian. Both are high first round picks that have lost their luster over the past two or three years. Bogosian is a big boy with a lot of grit and upside, but he was starting to falter with the Jets.

Comparing Myers and Bogosian

Tyler Myers

(2014-2015) 13 points in 47 games; -15

(2013-2014) 22 points in 62 games; -26

Zach Bogosian

(2014-2015) 13 points in 41 games; +1

(2013-2014) 11 points in 55 games; +3

As of right now, Armia appears to be a bust and Lemieux shows promise, but seems undersized in today's NHL for the agitator role he's looking to play. 

That being said, it seems like the Sabres overpaid by a factor of one. Did they need to throw in a first round pick when a second or third round would have sealed the deal? Was there someone further down the organizational depth chart than Lemieux or Armia that could have been sent instead?

Either way, this is fast becoming Tim Murray's Sabres.