Significant issue emerges in Evander Kane’s recovery

When it was first announced that Evander Kane would miss time in the 2024-25 season following surgeries to repair two hernias, two torn abdominal muscles and both abductors on September 20th, the Edmonton Oilers and their fanbase expected him to be out for long. Longer than what has now been reported.

Last week, insider Kevin Weekes reported that Kane should return from injury in “early 2025”.

It was first believed that Kane would miss at least five to six months, but with Weekes’ report, he could be back much, much sooner, which causes significant issues in Edmonton.

Sure his return could definitely boost the Oilers up front as they’ve been dealing with a sluggish start to the campaign. However, the truth is that the team can’t afford it.

Really, Kane wasn’t expected to return during the regular season and that’s in part why his $5,125,000 cap hit was placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve. At this time, according to Puck Pedia, the Oilers have $1.5 million in cap space at this time and a projected $4.8 million available at the trade deadline in March.

I know, captain Connor McDavid is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury, but I can’t imagine anyone wanting him to be out long term in order to make room for Kane. I know that Kane can bring a boost and flexibility up front in Edmonton, but come on, no one wants to see the captain out for long as we all impatiently await an update on his condition.

If Kane returns sooner, the Oilers will be forced to make a move to clear some cap space, meaning that the much needed help on defense would need to wait. Again.

And who says that Kane will be the player he once was after major core surgery? After all, he is coming off a career-worst year and everyone almost assumed he would be coming back near the postseason. I’m not sure April qualifies as early 2025, but there’s hoping right?