Insider Says Oilers Could Push Boundaries of NHL Rules with Evander Kane
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has raised the possibility that the Edmonton Oilers could potentially benefit from LTIR rules and the return of Evander Kane from injury this season.
Evander Kane has missed the entire season recovering from a complex surgery to address several injuries from last year, and isn't expected to progress in his rehab until at least March of 2025.
Kane's $5.125M salary is a massive wildcat for the Oilers' trade plans this season. If they know that he won't be able to return until the playoffs, the Oilers could add his amount in additional salary through trade, and ice a lineup over the cap in the playoffs.
Frank Seravalli says the Oilers are examining their options, and one of them may be pushing the boundaries of LTIR rules.
- Frank Seravalli
The Vegas Golden Knights have long been accused of abusing this salary cap loophole with LTIR, icing playoff teams far above the cap when Mark Stone reappears after being injured all year.
Edmonton Oilers Could Use LTIR Salary Cap Loophole With Evander Kane
It's a real possibility that Evander Kane won't be ready to play until the playoffs. Kane's surgery happened in the preseason instead of in the offseason, which obviously increased the amount of time he would miss this year.
Knoblauch's comments recently on Kane is that nothing should be expected of him until at least March. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll even return to play in March, but perhaps just starts ramping up on-ice activities.
At 33 years old, Kane may need some time to get up to full health after missing the entire season recovering from surgery. The playoffs are slated to begin April 20th, so it's very possible he won't be available then.
Missing the beginning with the playoffs with a legit injury is different, but if Kane were to return in Game 1, it would look sketchy for sure on Edmonton.
If Kane is unavailable to play until the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers problem of limited salary cap to add players would instantly disappear. With $5M of available cap space and their assets, the Oilers could acquire multiple impact players.
We'll see how the Oilers decide to play it - pushing the boundaries, or playing it straight - by the time the trade deadline comes around. It should be an exciting one this year for Oilers fans.
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