Insider says Evander Kane's drama has run its course with the Oilers

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
April 23, 2024 (2:46 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Evander Kane has been a subject of criticism throughout his time in the NHL, but this is just overboard. Today, Oilers writer Mark Spector said Kane's time in Edmonton has run its course.

»As has been the case all of Kane's career, too much drama, boys. Too much drama around Evander Kane. Useless drama. I'll do what every player on every other team does. Yeah, maintenance day, I'm gonna try hard tomorrow. This is needless drama that you don't need starting playoffs, that you don't want in your dressing room. The guys we talk to about Evander Kane running his course - He doesn't run his course as a player, he runs his course as a bringer of drama.»
- Mark Spector

Spector's criticism of Kane is regarding the fact that Kane revealed just before the playoffs that he has been playing through a sports hernia injury for most of this season. It's extremely unusual to see a player reveal their injury before the playoffs, and it seemed like Kane was explaining his dip in productivity this season.

It seems that Spector believes that Kane in fact has created some drama in the locker room, and the Oilers may look to move on from him this offseason. Some Oilers fans believe his salary could be better spent as well, and these rumours of drama from Oilers media don't help his case to stay in Edmonton.

After taking a few games and practices off at the end of the year, Kane was back in game one on the third line, and he definitely elevated his game last night - which makes it so bizarre to hear this criticism from Spector. At this time of the year, the entire season to this point is forgotten, and if a player is in the lineup they need to give their best effort. Kane did just that last night, and right now deserves some encouragement instead of trying to create narratives surrounding him.

In the playoffs, the players need to put this off-ice drama aside and just play their best hockey. As long as Evander Kane can do just that, and contribute a little bit towards a deep run at the Stanley Cup, Oilers fans will be fully behind him.