Oilers make statement on the future of Evander Kane

Things are changing in Edmonton, with Oilers president Jeff Jackson taking over as interim general manager, and the changes may not be good for forward Evander Kane. Jackson recently revealed that Kane is battling a hip injury and a sports hernia, and that both camps are evaluating his situation for his future in Edmonton.

“He was going through an issue with his hip. We are going through the process to see what will occur and he is getting the best care and advice from our doctors. We will discuss options with him and his agent and get second opinions. That is where we are at and nothing is planned at this point.”

While Kane is dealing with his recovery, former NHL referee Tim Peel revealed how the forward received 6-8 injections daily to stay in the lineup during the postseason, but the severity of his injury forced him out.

Hints are adding up with many fans and pundits believing that Kane will end up on the Oilers’ long-term injured reserve for the start of the 2024-25 season, freeing up over $5 million in cap space.

The Oilers are tight on cash and have to keep in mind the pending re-signings of key players like Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard.

Kane has two years left on his contract at $5.125 million per season and pushing his deal onto the LTIR seems the best solution for the Oilers moving ahead into the offseason and regular season, especially after their recent free agent signings.

Kane, who holds a no-move clause in his current contract, has been frustrated with his playing time and role in Edmonton this season, and who knows, he may not appreciate the fact no one really sees him as a part of the Oilers’ lineup next season.

With Jeff Skinner signing as a free agent in Edmonton on Monday, this is what Sportsnet predicted the Oilers’ lineup up front would look like:

Nugent-Hopkins McDavid Hyman
Skinner Draisaitl Arvidsson
Janmark Henrique Brown
Holloway McLeod Perry

No Kane in sight.