Edmonton Oilers release statement on Evander Kane's status this season

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Liam McCormick
September 23, 2024 (6:53 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers have released a statement on Evander Kane after undergoing an extremely complex surgery.

The Oilers revealed that Kane is expected to miss a minimum of 5 to 6 months. Assuming the longer recovery time, that would mean Kane would return after the trade deadline.

Kane had surgery to repair up to six problems: two hernias, two abductors, and two torn abdominal muscles. It's a wonder how he was able to play through that level of pain in the playoffs. After the procedure, Kane himself shared an update on social media.

It's extremely interesting to note that the Oilers used the words «minimum of» 5 to 6 months. That implies that he could miss more time recovering before he's cleared to play. Speaking to the media last week, Kane did say that he hopes to return this season.

If Kane missed the full 6 months, he would be returning near April 1st. The Oilers play their final game of the season on April 16th against the San Jose Sharks, and the playoffs will begin shortly afterwards. That means if Evander Kane misses an extra two weeks from this timeline, the Oilers could use an interesting strategy.

Two prominent Oilers insiders, Jim Matheson and Mark Spector, have both said that it's likely Kane doesn't return until playoffs.

With Kane out until the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers could place him on LTIR and add $5.125M in salary at the trade deadline, then ice a team over the salary cap when he returns in the playoffs. It's a clear cap loophole that the Vegas Golden Knights have used before with Mark Stone, and now the Oilers may have an opportunity to do the same. The Oilers have a need to acquire a top four defenceman in trade this season, and now they could have significant cap space to do so.

While this situation could work in their favour, the Edmonton Oilers will certainly miss Evander Kane in the lineup. Even dealing with significant injuries last year, he put up 24 goals and led the team in hits. Kane can be one of the premier power forwards in the NHL at his best, and hopefully after this surgery, he returns to the Oilers in the best form he's been at in years.