Insider reveals Edmonton Oilers are planning to get rid of Evander Kane
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to a new report from Sportsnet's Mark Spector, the Edmonton Oilers are planning to buy out Evander Kane at the end of this season.
Rumours had surfaced earlier this season the Oilers were considering a buyout for Kane, which now appears to be confirmed by Spector's report.
Oilers plan to buy out Evander Kane leaks before he returns to play
Spector reported in a new article that the Oilers will have some prime dates to assign Kane to a conditioning stint in the AHL, but it's possible he doesn't agree to multiple games. In addition, they may buy him out this summer.
The Oilers fly home on April 8, and could assign Kane to Bakersfield for games on April 9, 11 and 12.
We think Kane won't be wild about playing three AHL games. We'd bet money he won't agree to the extra two.
But we also believe the Oilers plan to buy out the final year of Kane's contract this summer. So he has this Oilers playoff run - however long or short it may be - to audition for a new contract elsewhere next fall.
- Mark Spector, Sportsnet
We think Kane won't be wild about playing three AHL games. We'd bet money he won't agree to the extra two.
But we also believe the Oilers plan to buy out the final year of Kane's contract this summer. So he has this Oilers playoff run - however long or short it may be - to audition for a new contract elsewhere next fall.
- Mark Spector, Sportsnet
For Evander Kane, this will be a direct shot to hear while amping up for a return to play in the playoffs. The 32 year old power forward has missed the entire season rehabbing from multiple injuries and surgeries.
According to PuckPedia, if the Oilers buy out Kane's contract before next season begins, it will cost the team $1.33M against the salary cap for two years.
Buying Kane out should be a last-ditch option, especially if no one will take him in trade at only $5.125M. His age, injury history, and no-trade list does complicate things, but if he has a good playoffs he may prove to another team that he's still an option.
Evander Kane on track to return for Game 1 of Playoffs
It is looking more like Kane will be available to play in Game 1 of the playoffs, though.
He's been at practice now for several weeks and put together consistently good efforts - Spector noted that without cap constraints, Kane may be able to play before playoffs.
Hopefully if he comes back to play, he becomes a solid contributor to help the Oilers win in the playoffs, and market himself for a trade.
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 636 ANSWERS Insider reveals Edmonton Oilers are planning to get rid of Evander Kane Do you think the Oilers will have to buy out Evander Kane in the offseason? | ||
| Yes, no one will take him | 138 | 21.7 % |
| No, they will trade him | 166 | 26.1 % |
| He will stay | 332 | 52.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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