Evander Kane takes a major step toward leaving Edmonton Oilers organization

The idea of the Oilers trading Kane has been raised to clear salary cap space before the trade deadline, but Kane's no trade list could still block a trade.

According to a recent update from Elliotte Friedman on Saturday's Headlines, Evander Kane has submitted his no-trade list to the Oilers and Edmonton is exploring the market for him.

Fortunately for Kane, there's not many teams in the NHL that could take on the salary cap and risk of 33 year old forward coming back from injury.

If Kane wants to stay with Edmonton, and by all reports he completely does, Kane could structure his no-trade list around teams that may trade for him.

There's only 8 teams in the NHL that could take on Evander Kane full salary without clearing any money of their own. Two of those teams are the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks, both former teams of Kane that may not be interested in trading for him due to off ice reasons.

A top contending team would be unlikely to take on Kane's full salary, and add a 33 year old who hasn't played all year on a $5M+ contract.

That's why it's interesting that Friedman mentions that the Oilers are exploring a market for Evander Kane. With his no-trade list and circumstances, moving Kane may be near impossible.

The Oilers really only need to trade Evander Kane if he's returning before the playoffs. If Kane doesn't return until after the playoffs begin, they'll be fine to accommodate his salary and make trades.