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Oilers insider reveals which game Evander Kane could return in playoffs
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are finally beginning their playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings tonight, but won't be expecting to see Evander Kane yet - but they should by Game 3.
Evander Kane took to the ice at practice yesterday in a grey extras jersey indicating that he won't be ready to play yet - but it still will be soon.
Oilers insider reveals when Evander Kane will return to play against Los Angeles
According to a new report from Oilers insider Kurt Leavins, Evander Kane is likely to return for at least Game 3 of the series. Trent Frederic is closer to a return, even if he's not ready to play tonight.
Evander Kane is really close to being game-ready. The fact that he did not take the optional on Saturday is probably an indication that he is just a shade back of Trent Frederic, who I expect will play Game One.
But Kane is likely to return no later than Game Three back in Edmonton. The only question remains is which version of Kane will we get?
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
But Kane is likely to return no later than Game Three back in Edmonton. The only question remains is which version of Kane will we get?
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
It's certainly disappointing that Kane won't be ready for Game 1, especially after missing the entire season. In a way then it's very strange that after missing 7 months, he's going to need one more week to be ready.
Perhaps the Oilers are playing things extra safe medically with Kane's return, and also for the reason not to attract too much attention from the NHL to their clearly planned LTIR usage with Kane. He will join Mattias Ekholm and Troy Stecher as injured scratches for Game 1.
Where Kane will play when he returns from injury
It's a significant question with Kane too, what kind of player will he be upon return?
Making a return from a lengthy injury is hard at his age of 33 years, and to do so in the playoffs will be even more difficult. At the same time, Kane was never fully healthy last season and could still provide some physicality and goal scoring.
Kane should get some sheltered minutes in the bottom six at least to begin, and hopefully, he can continue to improve throughout the playoffs. He could be a major X-factor to greatly increase the Oilers forward depth.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 838 ANSWERS Oilers insider reveals which game Evander Kane could return in playoffs Do you think Kane will be able to contribute when he returns to play? | ||
| He will be good | 680 | 81.1 % |
| He won't be the same | 158 | 18.9 % |
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