Forward Evander Kane is nothing if not the most polarizing and interesting free agent on the market this offseason. The 30-year-old power forward has had his fair share of off-ice controversies in his career, including a pending arbitration hearing that may award him back to the San Jose Sharks after the team terminated his contract during the 2021-22 season. Yet Kane was still spectacular on the ice after signing a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers for the remainder of the season, notching 39 points in 43 regular-season games and leading the NHL in scoring during the playoffs with 13 goals in just 15 games.
Yet, reports surfaced earlier this week that Kane and the Oilers weren’t close on an extension. Today, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta adds that there haven’t been any conversations yet today between Kane’s camp and the Oilers, adding to the likelihood Kane hits the open market tomorrow. It doesn’t limit Edmonton’s ability to re-sign him, and quite frankly, it’s still the most likely destination for him. Kane’s risk factor is only increased by the pending arbitration decision, and other teams will be hesitant to commit term to Kane without either having a deal in place with San Jose to trade back for him or having clarity on his future.
- Legendary coach and executive Scott Bowman is moving on from the Chicago Blackhawks organization this summer, per the man himself. Now 88, Bowman had been a senior advisor for the Blackhawks since 2008. A winner of 12 Stanley Cups, Bowman will likely have any job he wants if he wants to continue his management career in the NHL.
- Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke spoke today, denying rumors that the team didn’t offer Evgeni Malkin his desired term of four years. He did say that giving a six-year contract extension to Rickard Rakell yesterday didn’t rule out Malkin’s return, and said that “the window is still open” for Malkin. However, with all the varying reports of Malkin’s unhappiness with the situation, his moving on in free agency is likely still a done deal.
Scotty B. should go back to the Redwings where he belongs.
at 88? homie should just retire and smoke stogies at his lake house
I was thinking the same thing help out Yerman
He can smoke cigars and still be a great advisor to the Wings
At first, I thought “wow, Kane is 30 already” and then I remembered he was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers and then thought, “he’s only 30”?
If Geno wants to play for FLA or COL for less money, more power to him. But what is likely happening now is he’s letting his pride or agent get in the way of reality and he’s going to end up regretting it. It’s playing out exactly like the Freddie Freeman thing and Hextall will all but surely move quickly to replace him.
So, hopefully he’s not getting talked (or talking himself) into a bluff he doesn’t mean that IS going to be called and quickly.
Hahaha, so true!
I didn’t know Bowman was still alive.
Bowman’s kid Stanley destroyed the Blackhawks he was given a tremendous foundation by Dale Tallon and simply ripped it apart year after year. I remember for so many years on here telling people that eventually the Hawks would be a bottom 5 team under Stan Bowman and people kept defending that moron. Well Hawk fans what do you think of Stanley now???
Anyone who signs kane for a big long term contract will be sorry. Once he has money again. He will be his true self. Selfish materialistic gambling fool.
Bowman got job because of last name . . Bowman history kissed up to owners . he got tallon fired help plan beach coverup.
Who is dumb enough to give Kane more than a one-year deal?
A: Edmonton!
Some of Kane’s mess is explained by three writers for the Athletic, Corey Masisak, Eric Duhatschek, and Daniel Nugent-Bowman. Here is the link, if you guys are interested: link to theathletic.com
It almost seems like Bettman’s trying to ass-drag the hearing so that teams can let the cap cannibals get to the good stuff first, thereby limiting Kane’s and Milstein’s options. (My 2-cents, not the writers mentioned above.)
You can make an argument for due diligence and contemplation….UNLESS…as this article states…him being returned to the Sharks roster is a possibility…and then he needs an answer, literally today.
That is absurd.
Kane and the PA have a legit grievance…about his grievance.
Awesome. The Hawks will be Bowmanless for the first time in years. I’d sing but I’ll just settle for humming.
Geno will sign in Vancouver.
Nope. Staying with Pens for four years. Read it and weep.
Kane signs in Edmonton apparently. 4yr x 5.25M