Evander Kane's uncertain future stirs trade buzz among pacific rivals
The air of uncertainty surrounding Evander Kane's tenure with the Edmonton Oilers has sparked a flurry of trade interest, notably from within the Pacific Division.
According to a scoop by the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, both the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings are emerging as potential destinations for Kane. This development unfolds amid Kane grappling with both injuries and diminishing ice time, complicating his role with the Oilers.
Kane's ordeal with a hernia injury during the past season considerably hampered his performance, leading to him being sidelined during the critical moments of the Cup Final. This physical setback casts a shadow over his readiness and impact for the forthcoming season. His predicament is further exacerbated by the Oilers' recent acquisitions of Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, two top-six forwards poised to curtail his opportunities further. Despite his reduced ice time last season, Kane aimed to remain a supportive teammate, voicing his concerns yet emphasizing team spirit.
Notably, the 2 Mutts Podcast highlights that Kane is determined not to resort to the Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) and is reluctant to waive his no-movement clause in the upcoming season. However, with the landscape changing and his chances diminishing, Kane may reconsider if it means proving his mettle to secure another NHL contract.
Financially, Kane is bound to the Oilers with a contract that provides him $5.125 million annually for the next two years. This season he retains a no-move clause, transitioning to a limited no-trade list the following year. His performance last season, marked by 24 goals across 77 games, showcases his capabilities, though his inconsistency remains a concern.
Another compelling reason for the Oilers to consider a trade lies in their salary cap predicament. With upcoming contract negotiations for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway and zero cap space, Edmonton is under pressure to alleviate financial burdens. The team's strategy will likely crystallize in the coming weeks, as they navigate their tight fiscal environment.
As the off-season progresses, the Oilers' management, along with Kane, will have crucial decisions to make, ones that could redefine the team's composition and strategy moving forward. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Kane's NHL journey and how the Oilers manage their roster under the salary cap constraints.
Source: 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast on X
2 Mutts Hockey Podcast on Evander Kane
| POLL | ||
Do you anticipate a trade for Evander Kane in the upcoming season? | ||
| Yes | 24 | 51.1 % |
| No | 21 | 44.7 % |
| See Results | 2 | 4.3 % |
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