Frustrating update on Evander Kane saga in Edmonton!
The new GM is doing his best, but…
Earlier this summer, 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.
On Tuesday, when discussing the historic contract extension to forward Leon Draisaitl, general manager Stan Bowman provided, I guess what we can call, an update on Kane, though the situation obviously remains very frustrating. Bowman told Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now that he expects an update on Kane’s health in the next 7-10 days.
For month now, rumours have 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. Talks have also come up on the possibility of placing Kane on the long-term injured reserve, reminding everyone 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.
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.
Pushing Kane’s 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 extension offered to Draisaitl on Tuesday. Plus, let’s not forget Edmonton needs room to eventually re-sign Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.
So, what are you going to do, Oilers?
