Edmonton Oilers may have change of heart on Evander Kane's future
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers finally got Evander Kane back in the lineup after missing the entire year with injury, and his performance may be changing his future next season.
Earlier this year, reporters revealed the Oilers were considering buying out Evander Kane this offseason - but his quality play may be changing things.
In the summer the Oilers could buy out Evander Kane ($5.125 million AAV, and they probably won't have Jeff Skinner back, so there's room to wheel and deal, but we'll see where they go with this.
- Jim Matheson
- Jim Matheson
Edmonton Oilers may decide to keep Evander Kane instead of moving him
The Oilers will go through a significant salary cap crunch in the next two offseasons as they work out new contracts for Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, and Stuart Skinner. They may need to shed some salary, and Kane would be one candidate.
Now, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchel is raising the question that the team may decide to keep Kane on for next season if possible.
He has one year left on his deal, and he is playing well. The AAV on the contract is more than justified if he can play this well next season and in the playoffs 2026.
We spent a lot of time contemplating a Kane trade at the deadline. Stan Bowman kept his powder dry. It is turning out very well. Should the Oilers keep Kane for his final season, while also signing Trent Frederic to a three-year deal?
- Allan Mitchell
We spent a lot of time contemplating a Kane trade at the deadline. Stan Bowman kept his powder dry. It is turning out very well. Should the Oilers keep Kane for his final season, while also signing Trent Frederic to a three-year deal?
- Allan Mitchell
Given the way Kane's playing, the Oilers surely wouldn't have to buy him out anyway - there must be suitors in trade for him at $5.125M. However, Kane's contributing to a new identity for the Oilers.
In their current combinations, the Oilers are running McDavid and Draisaitl on one line, while still rolling out four balanced lines. Kane bringing a physical presence on the second line elevates their play, and allows Frederic to play on the third line. There toughness spread out through all lines.
If their newfound combinations prove to be successful, perhaps the Oilers will find a way to keep Kane on for another season. Hopefully for now, Kane continues his success and helps antagonize the Golden Knights on their way to another series win.
| POLL | ||
MAI 5 | 825 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers may have change of heart on Evander Kane's future Do you think the Oilers will move Evander Kane this offseason? | ||
| Yes | 134 | 16.2 % |
| No | 691 | 83.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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