There has been a lot of misunderstanding over his health, with recent reports indicating that the Edmonton Oilers winger will be ready for training camp in September, followed by another indicating that Evander Kane would likely require surgery.
My Cult of Hockey colleague David Staples wrote two pieces in quick succession, with the second encapsulating both points of view:
Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider, thus I place the highest trust in his findings. If Stauffer claims this is the case, it’s likely to happen.
However, the situation surrounding Evander Kane and the Oilers remains cloudy.
Stauffer’s statement obviously contradicts the information released by the 2 Mutts podcast, which stated that they spoke with Kane. They claimed on Sunday that “Evander Kane will be ready for training camp, and he will participate in the Captain Skates in early September.” According to reports, going on LTIR is not in the plans. Kane and his family have committed to living in Edmonton for the next two years and beyond. The Ducks and Kings are interested in Kane, but he does not intend to waive his NMC at this time. “He wants to be an Oiler!”
Hearing there is a very good chance that the @EdmontonOilers Evander Kane won't be ready for the start of the season…that he may require surgery…and is likely to be on LTIR to start the year
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) August 12, 2024
A couple of items remain outstanding, including, most importantly, public confirmation from either the player or the hockey club that surgery is truly in the works. What is unknown is the nature of the surgery: Kane disclosed at the outset of the playoffs that he had been struggling with a sports hernia for the whole of the season. More recently, CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson stated that the player has (also) been plagued by a hip problem.
Both would be considered core body disorders, but the recovery times would undoubtedly differ.
He was going through an issue with his hip. We are going through the process to see what will occur and he is getting the best care and advice from our doctors. We will discuss options with him and his agent (Dan Milstein), and get second opinions. That is where we are at and…
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) July 2, 2024
As I mentioned at the beginning of this essay, the Kane situation was already heating up this weekend. That was before Tuesday’s bombshell disclosure that Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway had received hostile offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues, with budget implications of $4.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively. An Oilers wage cap scenario that was previously precarious is now officially demoted to “in distress”.
Kane has two years remaining on a contract with a $5.1 million cap hit. Should he be placed on Long Term Injured Reserve, that would help to alleviate the situation, but only for as long as Kane was on LTIR.
Only if he is found unfit to play for the full (regular) season would it be more than a stopgap measure before payroll must be cleared. Even if a season-long absence were to occur, the Oilers would have just enough budget space to accommodate Broberg’s large new contract, but would still need to make another move to make room for Holloway’s surprise new number.
It’s more of a sophisticated series of conundra nested together like a (very expensive) Matryoshka doll. From the standpoint of Jackson and his recent hire at GM, Stan Bowman
How long will Kane be eligible for LTIR?
Is Broberg truly worth $4.6 million, or should we let him walk?
Is Holloway truly worth $2.3 million, or should we let him walk?
Do we want to accept defeat to Doug Armstrong, Peter Chiarelli, and the villainous Blues?
How else can we clear some cap, and how difficult will it be with everyone aware that we are in distress? How can we clear cap in season in the case that Kane recovers healthy enough to play?
How will (over)paying young players effect our “take a discount for the good of the team” conversations with the likes of Leon Draisaitl and other proven stars?
Who will be our “value contracts” for 2024-25?
Since Bowman was announced as the Oilers’ general manager on July 24, the team has not made a single roster move. It turns out that his initial steps at the wheel will have far-reaching implications.
Leave a Reply