Hockey Insider denies Evander Kane to Toronto rumour, though another Canadian club may bite
On Monday, Postmedia's Michael Traikos had reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs were among several NHL teams who had interest in potentially bringing in Evander Kane, suggesting that the 30-year-old could skate on a line with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews.
Those reports were refuted by trusted Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, who stated on TSN1050 on Tuesday morning that his well-placed sources have could not confirm that rumour.
However, Kane did draw the interest of another Canadian franchise, as Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland confirmed that he had spoken with Dan Milstein (Kane's agent) on Tuesday.
"I believe in second chances," Holland told the media on Tuesday morning. "It's hard to be perfect."
Kane has been one of the media's favourite targets over the past few seasons, with reports of his enormous gambling debts, his bankruptcy claim, the public feud with his estranged wife, Anna Kane, domestic violence allegations, and his having broken COVID-19 protocol a number of times. As far as second chances go, Kane's had more than one.
If the Oilers were to sign Evander Kane, it's more than likely that he would slide right into a first line role, alongside phenom Connor McDavid.
Kane's physical style of play and quality shot certainly make him an intriguing option to any team that signs him, but it's not his on-ice production that teams should be worried about.. it's his off-ice antics.
The Vancouver, BC native had his contract terminated by the San Jose Sharks on Sunday after being placed on waivers a day earlier for violating the AHL's COVID-19 protocols and reportedly boarding a plane to BC while COVID-19 positive.
Kane also broke protocol with the Sharks during the offseason when he purchased a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.
