Evander Kane Voices Displeasure Over Oilers Lineup Moves

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
October 23, 2023 (11:04)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Oilers have not looked like the team they were last year, even though they retained the bulk of their lineup through the offseason. It seems the Oilers are struggling on all levels, including keeping the puck out of the net and getting goals from the players who are expected to score.

One such player who is struggling mightily is Evander Kane. It appears the 32-year-old has not regained his scoring touch or form since he suffered a gruesome injury last season in November when Patrick Maroon accidentally sliced his wrist with his skate.

After emergency surgery and several months of recovery time, he was only able to amass 28 points that year.

Through five games this year, he has only managed one assist despite being on the top line with Connor McDavid. Oilers' Head Coach, Jay Woodcroft, made a lineup change during the game against the Winnipeg Jets. He demoted Kane to the third line and dramatically reduced his minutes.

Of course, this did not go well, and Kane voiced his displeasure when asked about his ice time.

Kane is notorious for making these kinds of comments, as Oilers fans have become accustomed to them. However, the pressure is on his shoulders to find a way to score and become the player they had hoped he would be when they signed him to a $5.125 million per season deal, which stretches for another two years after this season.