Rift between Evander Kane and Oilers management will force move off roster

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Liam McCormick
July 3, 2024 (5:01 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers made a splash in free agency, signing Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson to great value contracts, but it will also mark the end of Evander Kane's time with the team.

Throughout last season, Evander Kane struggled to play at the level the Oilers expected, and he found himself falling down the lineup. He played most of the season on the third line, and when asked about his declining ice time by Mark Spector, Kane held back his clear disagreements. Adding two more top six forwards, Kane will be bumped further down the depth chart.

»Honestly, I've never had this level of opportunity ever in my career. Not even my rookie year. For me right now, less is more ��what comes out of my mouth»
- Evander Kane

On the Jason Gregor show recently, the Oilers insider revealed that Kane may not have come to training camp in good shape last year. If that is true, lack of proper conditioning is a leading cause of Sports Hernia - the injury that derailed Kane's playoffs. Simply put, you can't have that lack of preparation on a cup contending team.

Edmonton Oilers and Evander Kane sour on each other, per Friedman

With all this friction around Evander Kane, Elliotte Friedman has reported the played and team have soured on each other.

There was also a few instances this year where Kane seemed to have some friction with Oilers teammates, particularly Leon Draisaitl. The two were seen arguing on the bench at one point this year, then Kane was scratched not long after. In addition to his history of bouncing around the NHL, it seems like Kane's time has run up in Edmonton.

With Kane becoming clear unhappy with his role on the team, these new signings, and the fact that the Oilers are over the salary cap - it's clear that he will be moved off the roster in some capacity before next season. Whether by a trade, a buy out, or potentially LTIR, Kane will likely not start with the Oilers at the beginning of next season.

Source: Elliotte Friedman

Friedman says Edmonton Oilers and Evander Kane souring on each other