Evander Kane unlikely to pass physical tests at Oilers training camp

Evander Kane has not yet hit the ice with the Oilers, and training camp is opening up within a week. According to a new report from Oilers reporter Jim Matheson, Kane is unlikely to pass physical tests at training camp which will prompt him to undergo surgery.

It's public knowledge that Kane has been dealing with several injuries, and it's not clear which injury will require corrective surgery. Before last year's playoffs Kane admitted to playing through a sports hernia, and after the playoffs Jeff Jackson confirmed Kane is dealing with a hip injury. Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this offseason that Kane will require surgery, and his timeline for recovery is unclear.

It's strange that Evander Kane wouldn't have already had the surgery to correct a painful injury this offseason, but it's possible that he was trying to rehabilitate his injury without surgery. Now that the rehab efforts didn't work, the Oilers medical team is stepping in with surgery as the best potential option.

Last week, Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman said that the team will have an update very soon regarding Kane's medical procedure and recovery timeline. It now seems certain that Evander Kane will begin the season on the LTIR, and the Oilers only need to find out when he'll be able to return. When Evander Kane is healthy and playing at his best, he's an impact player for the Oilers - they'll be hoping he gets back soon.