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Evander Kane takes demotion from Canucks, fans not happy with what they see
Photo credit: Vancouver Canucks
Former Oilers forward Evander Kane will return to Edmonton for the first time tonight as a Canuck, and he'll be bumped down to the third line.
The Oilers traded Kane to the Canucks this offseason mostly to shed his $5.125M salary, and also did the 34 year old forward a favour to send him to his hometown. The Canucks are hoping he can be a big playoff piece for them, but early returns aren't hot.
Evander Kane demoted to Canucks 3rd line before facing Oilers
Kane began the Canucks preseason playing top-six minutes, but after the first game of the regular season Vancouver is already bumping him down to the 3rd line.
Canucks fans and analysts really haven't been happy with Kane's play early on this year. Kane did notably have some issues with the Oilers of poor passing, and his speed was clearly declining with injuries.
Another year older now, those problems haven't improved for Kane. Canucks analysts at VancoucerisAwesome noted Kane has been firing passes to no one, and others thought Kane looked slow and disengaged.
Evander Kane heard, «We want you to replace J.T. Miller on the power play,» and replied, «Say no more, I know exactly what you want,» and proceeded to send blind backhand passes to the point.
- Daniel Wagner
- Daniel Wagner
Sometimes veteran players can take a while longer to get back up to speed, so there's still a chance Kane can turn things around - but the first impression with the Canucks hasn't been good.
Canucks players and Evander Kane name Oilers as their biggest rivals
In anticipation of the Oilers and Canucks game tonight, some Vancouver players were asked to name their team's biggest rival. All 6 players interviewed, including Kane, said the Oilers.
Tonight's game will also be a good opportunity for the Oilers to right the ship after a disappointing Game 1 loss. With Pickard in net the Oilers are sending a message that everyone needs to show up now, so tonight's game should be exciting.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 11 | 931 ANSWERS Evander Kane takes demotion from Canucks, fans not happy with what they see Do you think Evander Kane is still a top six talent? | ||
| Yes | 413 | 44.4 % |
| No | 518 | 55.6 % |
| List of polls | ||