Earlier this offseason, Oilers president Jeff Jackson revealed that forward Evander Kane has been battling a hip injury, and that both camps are evaluating his situation for his future in Edmonton. Rumours have since emerged that the Oilers are actively attempting to trade Kane in a cost-cutting trade, as he has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million, looking to free up some space they must shed to become cap-compliant before their season opener in October.
There are also talks about placing Kane on the long-term injured reserve, and all of the possibilities have exposed a serious issue in Edmonton as Jim Parsons points out that the Oilers and Kane are not on the same page when it comes to his injury and what he can still do on the ice.
“What makes him such a wild card is that it’s hard to read from day to day and interview to interview where Kane stands health wise. CEO Jeff Jackson mentioned an “issue with his hip,” and the nature of his injury and recovery path remains unclear. Meanwhile, Kane called it a “sports hernia” that was bugging him most of last season. Is it a hip? Is it a hernia? Is it a bit of both? Do either keep him out to the point he’s unreliable?”
Kane, who carries a full no-movement clause until Feb. 28, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list, has proven time and time again, despite injuries, that he can be resilient. However, Edmonton needs to do what’s best for the roster, especially after coming so close to winning the Stanley Cup.
Reports have recently stated that the Oilers haven’t approached Kane about waiving his clause, or placing him on the team’s LIRT, but that could change.
Kane has two years left on his contract at $5.125 million per season and pushing his deal onto the LTIR could be the best solution for the Oilers at this time, especially after their recent free agent signings and big contract extensions coming to both Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard in the near future.
What would you do with Kane if you were in new general manager Stan Bowman’s shoes?
