Evander Kane recovery timeline could be worst case scenario for Oilers

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Liam McCormick
September 23, 2024 (2:59 PM)

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Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane successfully underwent surgery, and now one insider is saying he will return at a difficult time.

According to new reports from Jim Matheson, Evander Kane could miss up to six months rehabbing from surgery. That would put his return date after the trade deadline in March 2025, which could be a tough scenario for the Oilers.

Returning that late into the season is less than ideal for a number of reasons. Kane would have minimal time to get back up to speed with in-game action before the playoffs, and wouldn't be quite long enough to bring him back during the playoffs to add more salary at the trade deadline. The Oilers also want to add a top four defender in trade, and that's would complicate activating Kane from LTIR at that time.

Previous reports from Elliotte Friedman suggested Kane could return by January next season, so moving that date back to March is a clear setback.

Evander Kane's complex surgery to repair a total of six different problems will obviously have a complex recovery time, and Stan Bowman has currently listed Kane as out indefinitely. The surgery last week repaired two hernias, two torn abductors, and two torn abdominal muscles. Hearing these severe injuries now, it's incredible Kane was able to play as long as he did.

Kane suffered through many of these injuries through most of last season, and it clearly affected his play at times. Despite that, he was able to score 24 goals and lead the team in hits. When he's healthy and back from surgery, whenever that is, he'll be a major asset for the Oilers. Now that the Oilers are under the salary cap, they'll be able to activate him at any time.

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