Evander Kane's uncertain future with the Edmonton Oilers

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Sam Jones
August 10, 2024 (4:32 PM)

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As the dust settles on another eventful season, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves grappling with a conundrum involving top-six forward Evander Kane.

Despite a commendable tally of 24 goals and 44 points across 77 games last season, Kane's contributions were marred by persistent injuries, ultimately leading to his exclusion from the final games of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Coach Knoblauch opted for healthier lineup choices, sidelining Kane during critical moments.

Kane's struggles weren't confined to the regular season. Throughout the playoffs, he added a modest 8 points in 20 games. Pre-playoffs, Kane disclosed a battle with a sports hernia, with further injuries complicating his postseason. Oilers insider Jason Gregor reports that Kane's offseason may involve pivotal decisions regarding potential surgery.

"The Oilers and Evander Kane's camp are looking at what is best for him, and they will determine if that means surgery or just rest and rehab. Jackson mentioned Kane and his agent will be getting a second opinion from a doctor, which is wise. They might try rehab first and see if that solves the issue, and if it does great. If not, then he would require surgery and likely not be ready to start the season, but fans should realize surgery is always the last option," Gregor noted.

With the upcoming season looming, the Oilers might place Kane on Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), echoing strategies employed by teams like the Vegas Golden Knights to manage salary cap constraints. This move could free up space to sign promising talents like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, with the potential of recalling Kane for the playoffs. Following the acquisitions of Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, Kane's role within the team appears increasingly precarious.

The Oilers are also pondering adjustments to their defensive lineup. With an abundance of NHL-caliber defensemen, trading either Brett Kulak or Cody Ceci could provide some cap relief. Analysts suggest Ceci as a likely candidate due to his higher cap hit compared to Kulak, who offers more value for a lower salary.

For Kane, the road ahead seems fraught with uncertainty. Known for his reluctance to settle for depth roles, Kane faces limited options within the Oilers. His no-movement clause complicates potential trade scenarios, though a waiver for better prospects elsewhere remains a possibility. Whether through trade, LTIR, or a diminished role, it appears that Kane's tenure with the Oilers could be drawing to a close, marking another chapter in the ever-evolving dynamics of NHL team rosters.

Source: OilersNation

Analyzing Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak's future with the Edmonton Oilers

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Do you believe Evander Kane will be an Oilers player next season?
Yes, he'll play	21	51.2 %
Playoffs only	5	12.2 %
He won't play for the Oilers	15	36.6 %
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