Jan 19: It does not appear as though a decision is going to be made on Kane for a few more days. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet tweets that the NHL needs the rest of the week to finish their investigation. That would suggest there will not be an update on his playing status or new contract until next week at the earliest. Kane remains an unrestricted free agent for the moment.
Jan 12: Ever since the San Jose Sharks filed the papers to terminate Evander Kane’s contract, speculation has run rampant over where the power forward would next ply his trade. The Edmonton Oilers were immediately linked and general manager Ken Holland confirmed that he had spoken to Kane’s representatives during a press conference yesterday.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were also rumored as a contender for his services, but Joe Smith of The Athletic reported last night that after consideration, they have removed themselves from the running. The Lightning don’t have any cap space to work with and general manager Julien BriseBois explained to reporters today (including Smith), that they aren’t even expecting to make any deadline moves this season because of the financial constraints.
So with some options dropping out and others confirming their interest, Kane’s agent Dan Milstein tweeted yesterday that they were still interviewing with teams and there were still plenty of details to work out.
One of those details could be another league investigation, as Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the league is looking into the incident that caused Kane’s termination in the first place. That is the process of Kane crossing the border into Canada on December 29, eight days after testing positive for COVID-19. San Jose says he did not have proper medical clearance and the NHL is investigating the incident. Friedman believes it will prevent Kane from signing in the short-term, though doesn’t give a timeline on when the investigation will be resolved.
The league of course has already gone through several Kane-focused investigations over the last few months, with two–gambling and domestic abuse–resulting in a dismissal of the allegations and one–use of a fake vaccination card–resulting in a 21-game suspension.
Kane has until the trade deadline to sign a new contract in order to be eligible for the playoffs this season.
Who does he slot beside on the Oilers? McDavid or Drai or Nugget?
Maybe he can play on D or in goal.
Could be any of them. Edmonton has 0 forward depth beyond those 3 and Hyman. Hell they’d be better off putting Barrie up on mcdavid or dris wing
What an absolute scumbag.
He said while standing in front of a mirror, for as fake as he made himself appear for others, he was well aware of all the scumbaggy shit he chose to do.
Any team intending to destroy their locker room should be interested in this guy
Flyers should sign him for League minimum so they have a forward for someone that only nets picks and/or prospects.
Giroux?
Wouldn’t want him anywhere near my team.
For a partial season and playoff run I’d bet he’s on his best behavior. In fact I’d bet whomever picks him up will benefit for the rest of the season.
I just wouldn’t plan on him being able to stay out of trouble long term or even a full season next year.
If anyone is wondering why EDM is interested in Kane…Brendan Perlini is on McDavid’s wing.
While RNH is injured maybe. Won’t be once Nuge is back. And the coach is trying anything to get out of the slump they’re in.
I don’t actually think that Edmonton IS more than “interested.” The Oilers have jack for cap space — Klefbom, Russell and Archibald being on LTIR is all that’s saving them. Basically they have to move out every dollar they give to Kane, or anyone else.
Actually NHA, Benson, Perlini, and Sceviour are on 2 way contracts and the Oilers “could” open up enough space for Kane if he signed a league minimum by sending one of them down, they would have enough space. Essentially what they would have to do if they signed him anyways. But either way, he isn’t a solution to their problems. He isn’t a 200ft player. He doesn’t develop and install systems. and he doesn’t drive secondary scoring. Edmonton’s issues right now are depth scoring, and TEAM defense. Not power forward capable of scoring on the 1st or 2nd line wing. Ask Dustin Penner or Patrick Maroon how hard it is to score there. They need someone who can drive a 3rd line, add leadership to the room, and help the team prevent goals. Or a new coaching system/coach. Kane does none of that.
And Kane’s not signing for league minimum, either. Why should he? Signing at ALL fouls the grievance, and he could get more anyway in Europe.