What’s Really Going On with the Oilers and Evander Kane?
There have been varied reports about Evander Kane’s injury situation and status with the Edmonton Oilers. What’s Really going on there?
The situation surrounding Evander Kane‘s health has left many Edmonton Oilers fans scratching their heads. Just recently, it seemed like Kane was destined for a long hiatus due to a potential surgery, only for other reports to say he’ll be back for the start of next season, and that he was already spotted golfing, moving around injury-free, and enjoying the Calgary Stampede. What’s the real story here? Is he hurt and looking at LTIR or is he fine and a healthy Kane will be ready to roll for next season?
The recent Ryan McLeod trade should offer some evidence that the Oilers expect Kane to be back and that they’ve made some room to keep him, but that’s not definitive. Sure, moving McLeod cleared some cap space room, but David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL Network reported this weekend that the Oilers are not done yet. He says they are still looking at the defense core and it sounds like they want to make a move there. He suggested the Oilers would like to, in a perfect world, move on from Kane’s contract. But, there’s a lot unknown regarding Kane’s health. In other words, McLeod being traded to Buffalo may or may not be directly linked to Evander Kane’s status.
Related: Sabres or Oilers: Who Won the McLeod and Savoie Trade?
There is confirmation that Kane is injured and the issues are being looked at. How serious they are is still unclear.
What Do We Actually Know About Kane’s Injury Situation?
The fact Kane missed a good chunk of the Stanley Cup Final is telling. This is a player who isn’t
likely going to sit out just because he’s a little banged up. If the Oilers and player felt he was too hurt to be helpful, that’s why he was out. Acting General Manager Jeff Jackson recently addressed Kane’s condition, revealing that Kane is dealing with a hip injury and a sports hernia, both of which impacted his performance during the playoffs. Kane missed the final games of the Stanley Cup Final due to these issues. That is when the talk surfaced about the possibility of off-season surgery.
