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Evander Kane issues statement on social media that made it sound like he would not be back in Edmonton

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Mike Armenti
June 9, 2022 (2:55 PM)

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At the start of the 2021-22 season, Evander Kane was a San Jose Shark and was facing a lengthy suspension for violating the NHL's COVID-19 protocols by using a fake vaccine card. As a result of this, and of the season being paused in December, Kane did not play a single game for the Sharks in 2021-22, though he did play a handful of games for their AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda.

After violating the NHL's COVID-19 protocols once again in December, allegedly traveling to Canada while COVID positive, the Sharks terminated Kane's contract, making him a UFA, free to sign anywhere he wanted to. While the Kane camp did file a grievance against the Sharks, he was still permitted to sign a deal for the remainder of the 2021-22 season with the Edmonton Oilers, a one-year, $2.108M pact. Kane made the most of his opportunity by amassing 39 points in 43 games during the regular season and 17 points in 15 playoff games, helping the Oilers reach the Western Conference Finals.

It was this level of success that had many Oilers fans and many pundits assuming that Kane would be back in Edmonton next season. However, on Thursday, Kane took to social media to thank the Oilers organization, issuing a statement that made it seem an awful lot like he would not be back next year.

Thank you to all the fans who supported me this year. To everyone who doubted me, thank you as welI. To my Oilers teammates, appreciate each and every single one of you for welcoming me in and embracing me in such a genuine way. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to play with such a committed, hardworking and loyal group of men. The Edmonton Oilers are a first class organization with such great staff from top to bottom and thank them for giving me the opportunity to play for such a historic franchise. To the fans of Edmonton I thank you for treating my family and l with such kindness and respect.

Thank you,
91

While we don't yet know what the future holds for Kane, we do know that his asking price on the free agent market is likely going to begin with an 8, as reported by ESPN's Kevin Weekes on Wednesday. Weekes did also mention that if Kane does return to Edmonton for another run with the Oilers, his deal could start with a 7.

TSN's Ryan Rishaug also reported that he believes the minimum that Kane would accept on his next deal would be 6 years at $7M per season.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

NHL Insider says two-time 40-goal scorer will be moved this summer

Bruins management went back on their word, firing Bruce Cassidy shortly after confirming he's safe

Two surprising teams could pursue Johnny Gaudreau if he hits free agency

POLL
9 JUIN \| 309 ANSWERS Evander Kane issues statement on social media that made it sound like he would not be back in Edmonton Will Evander Kane return to Edmonton next season?
Yes	109	35.3 %
No	150	48.5 %
He shouldn't even be in the NHL	50	16.2 %
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