Evander Kane's status with Edmonton Oilers next season in limbo
The Edmonton Oilers currently have a top six forward with no place for him in the lineup, or in the salary cap: Evander Kane.
Throughout the majority of last season, Kane was playing through injuries that severely affected his performance. In the last games of the Stanley Cup Final, coach Knoblauch was forced to scratch Kane to play a healthier player. Kane still finished the year with 24 goals and 44 points in 77 games, but there's still more to his game. In 20 playoff games, he scored 8 points.
Before the playoffs, Evander Kane revealed that he has been dealing with a Sports hernia, then he sustained multiple other undisclosed injuries in the playoffs. According to insider Jason Gregor, Evander Kane could still get corrective surgery this offseason.
»The Oilers and Evander Kane's camp are looking at what is best for him, and they will determine if that means surgery or just rest and rehab. Jackson mentioned Kane and his agent will be getting a second opinion from a doctor, which is wise. They might try rehab first and see if that solves the issue, and if it does great. If not, then he would require surgery and likely not be ready to start the season, but fans should realize surgery is always the last option.»
- Jason Gregor, OilersNation
If Kane required surgery or has long-term health questions closer towards training camp, it's very possible that the Oilers place him on LTIR and use the salary cap savings to sign Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Then, the Oilers could potentially recall him in the playoffs, and ice a lineup well over the salary cap like the Vegas Golden Knights. After the signings of Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, the Oilers have little opportunities for Evander Kane at all.
In addition, the Oilers still have a significant surplus of NHL defenceman. They could trade one of Brett Kulak or Cody Ceci to become cap compliant, and be able to fill their roles internally with Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, and Connor Carrick. NHL Sid's article breaks down that Cody Ceci would be the best option to move in a potential deal, considering that Kulak produces better results for a lower salary.
At this point for Kane however, it doesn't look like there's a significant path forward for him on the Oilers roster. He's a top six talent and is vocal about disliking playing depth minutes, the Oilers have signed players in his role, and they're over the salary cap. A trade would be possible if not for his no-movement clause, but perhaps he would waive it for more opportunity elsewhere. Whether he's traded, on LTIR, or buried on the fourth line, it looks like Evander Kane's days are numbered with the Oilers.
Source: OilersNation
Analyzing Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak's future with the Edmonton Oilers
- Jason Gregor, OilersNation
If Kane required surgery or has long-term health questions closer towards training camp, it's very possible that the Oilers place him on LTIR and use the salary cap savings to sign Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Then, the Oilers could potentially recall him in the playoffs, and ice a lineup well over the salary cap like the Vegas Golden Knights. After the signings of Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, the Oilers have little opportunities for Evander Kane at all.
In addition, the Oilers still have a significant surplus of NHL defenceman. They could trade one of Brett Kulak or Cody Ceci to become cap compliant, and be able to fill their roles internally with Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, and Connor Carrick. NHL Sid's article breaks down that Cody Ceci would be the best option to move in a potential deal, considering that Kulak produces better results for a lower salary.
At this point for Kane however, it doesn't look like there's a significant path forward for him on the Oilers roster. He's a top six talent and is vocal about disliking playing depth minutes, the Oilers have signed players in his role, and they're over the salary cap. A trade would be possible if not for his no-movement clause, but perhaps he would waive it for more opportunity elsewhere. Whether he's traded, on LTIR, or buried on the fourth line, it looks like Evander Kane's days are numbered with the Oilers.
Source: OilersNation
Analyzing Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak's future with the Edmonton Oilers
| POLL | ||
Do you think Evander Kane will play next season for the Oilers? | ||
| Yes, he'll play | 72 | 47.4 % |
| Playoffs only | 18 | 11.8 % |
| He won't play for the Oilers | 62 | 40.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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