NHL Insider Reports Setback for Evander Kane Injury Will Have Major Effect on Oilers Deadline
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make a big trade this season at the trade deadline, and their plans will be heavily influenced by Evander Kane's return from injury.
The most recent reports from Oilers Coach Knoblauch indicated that Kane will not appear with the team in any capacity until March.
Now, NHL insider David Pagnotta is sharing an update that sounds like Kane may have had a setback from his original timeline to return, but the Oilers will get a more concrete update soon.
- David Pagnotta
Earlier reports suggested that Kane would return in early 2025, just after the new year. With his date being pushed back until at least March, it sounds like there has been a setback, and Kane's return date is entirely unknown.
Just as training camp began this season, Evander Kane had a complex surgery to repair 6 different injuries that had been ailing him throughout the season and playoffs.
If Kane isn't able to begin any on-ice activity until sometime in March, it's hard to see him being able to return before the regular season ends on April 16.
Edmonton Oilers Could Benefit From Evander Kane's Injury Setback
As Pagnotta hinted, if Evander Kane does not return from injury until the playoffs begin, Edmonton could spend his $5.125M in trade deadline acquisitions this year.
Insider Frank Seravalli has similarly reported that the Oilers could push the boundaries with LTIR rules regarding Kane's injury. The Edmonton Oilers could ice a playoff lineup far above the salary cap, like Vegas and Tampa Bay have done in recent years.
Not only would the Oilers have the cap flexibility to add more salary, they would also be getting a premier power forward in Evander Kane back for the playoffs.
The Edmonton Oilers are last place in hits this season, and could definitely use Kane's physical play and goal scoring in the bottom six.
While the Oilers could benefit from Kane being out longer term, Oilers fans are still hoping the best for him in his recovery - and want him back in the lineup as soon as possible.
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