Evander Kane Has Another Surgery, Edmonton Oilers Set New Recovery Timeline
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers released a statement revealing that Evander Kane has undergone knee surgery, which will delay his rehab efforts to get back on the ice.
During training camp this season, Evander Kane had a very complex surgery to correct six different injuries, and he's missed the entire season in recovery.
The Oilers new statement seems to put a delay on Kane's potential return, saying specifically that he will pause his rehab schedule. This could indicate that Kane will not be able to return in the regular season.
While this procedure is unrelated to his abdominal surgery in September, it will require him to pause his current rehabilitation schedule to recover from Thursday's operation.
- Edmonton Oilers
Just yesterday, Oilers GM Stan Bowman spoke to insider Bob Stauffer and seemed to hint that Kane's injuries were incredibly severe and complex - clearly tempering expectations for a return in the regular season.
How Evander Kane's Injury Will Impact the Edmonton Oilers
This delay in Evander Kane's recovery from his initial surgery could mean he won't be healthy to return in the regular season, and the Oilers could add his $5.125M in salary at the trade deadline.
Kane will recover from this knee surgery sometime between February and March, but then still needs to resume rehab for his initial abdominal injuries.
On top of this, he needs to begin actual on-ice activities to get up to speed. It seems unlikely Kane would be able to finish his rehab and get up to speed before the Oilers play their final game on April 16th.
Stan Bowman's comments yesterday seemed to heavily stress the severity of his injuries and the long recovery process.
- Stan Bowman
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has already hinted that the Oilers were looking at possibilities if Kane is out for the regular season.
Today's news will help their case if they do intend to push the boundaries of the LTIR rule, and add extra salary for their playoff roster.
The Oilers surely do miss Kane, with the physical play and secondary goal scoring he brings. Playing through injury all last year, Kane scored 24 goals and led the team in hits.
Hopefully the Oilers get him back fully healthy for the first time in a full year for the playoffs, and can also add an extra player to boost their squad.
| POLL | ||
5 HOURS AGO | 28 ANSWERS Evander Kane Has Another Surgery, Edmonton Oilers Set New Recovery Timeline Do you think Evander Kane will be returning in the playoffs now for sure? | ||
