Oilers have a great chance to take advantage of the salary cap loophole

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Sam Jones
July 7, 2024 (9:26)

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The Edmonton Oilers find themselves grappling with salary cap limitations, and a new strategy involving Evander Kane's contract and the Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) is emerging as a viable solution.

Jeff Jackson, the Oilers President and Interim General Manager, has been vocal about Kane's severe hip issue, which has necessitated multiple consultations and second opinions to ascertain the optimal path forward for the athlete.

Kane's deteriorating health has notably affected his performance, particularly evident during the latter part of the season and the playoffs. Once a dominant power forward, Kane's presence on the ice was significantly reduced, and he was absent for several crucial games during the Stanley Cup Finals, a stark contrast to his usual robust form. This decline is documented in various updates, such as the one posted on

Considering LTIR as an option could provide dual benefits for both Kane and the Oilers. By moving Kane to LTIR, his $5.125 million contract would temporarily not count against the salary cap, thus granting the Oilers additional financial flexibility. This could be strategically beneficial, especially closer to the trade deadline, as outlined in more detail here:

This tactic is not unprecedented in the NHL, with teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning leveraging similar strategies with players like Mark Stone and Nikita Kucherov, who returned to play crucial roles in the playoffs after extended periods on LTIR. Such a move could potentially replicate this success for the Oilers, allowing them to bolster their roster at a critical time without further straining their financial limitations.

Moreover, another strategic option could unfold by March 1, 2025, when Kane's contract transitions from a full no-movement clause to a modified no-trade clause covering 16 teams. This change could facilitate a trade, allowing the Oilers to potentially acquire another forward and draft picks, given the team's limited draft assets in 2025.

As the Oilers navigate these complex decisions, the priority remains clear: ensuring Kane's health and readiness, whether he continues to play for Edmonton or moves on. The organization's approach to managing Kane's situation reflects a broader strategy of adaptability and resourcefulness under the constraints of NHL salary cap regulations.