The health situation of Evander Kane has left Edmonton Oilers fans puzzled. Recently, there were conflicting reports regarding his status: some suggested a long hiatus due to potential surgery, while others indicated he would be ready for the start of next season, having been seen golfing and attending the Calgary Stampede without issues. So, what’s the truth? Is Kane facing long-term injury reserve (LTIR) or will he be fit for the new season?
Indications from Recent Moves
The recent trade involving Ryan McLeod could suggest that the Oilers are preparing for Kane’s return, as it freed up some salary cap space. However, this move alone does not definitively clarify Kane’s status. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL Network reported that the Oilers are still looking to make changes, particularly in their defense lineup. He hinted that in an ideal scenario, the Oilers might prefer to move on from Kane’s contract. Nonetheless, the specifics of Kane’s health remain unclear.
What We Know About Kane’s Injury
Kane missed a significant portion of the Stanley Cup Final, indicating the seriousness of his injuries. Acting General Manager Jeff Jackson disclosed that Kane is dealing with a hip injury and a sports hernia, both of which hampered his playoff performance. This led to discussions about possible off-season surgery.
Jackson provided an update, saying, “He was dealing with an issue with his hip. We are going through the process to see what we need to do on that front, so he’s getting the best care he can get and advice from our doctors. We’re going to talk to his agent, consult with both Evander and his agent Dan Milstein, to make sure we’re getting second opinions and things like that. That’s sort of where it’s at, and nothing is planned, as of yet beyond that.”
The Oilers’ management has kept the details somewhat vague, consistent with typical approaches to player injuries, indicating that while the injuries were serious enough to keep Kane out of the finals, the exact future implications remain uncertain.
#### Optimistic Reports and Recovery Signs
Contradicting the uncertainties, the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast reported that Kane is expected to be fully recovered and ready for training camp in September. His participation in activities like golfing suggests positive recovery progress. While sports like golf require substantial core muscle use, which could be challenging with a sports hernia, Healthline suggests that light exercise, such as golfing, is generally acceptable during recovery, depending on the severity of the hernia.
#### Trade Speculations and Kane’s Future
Rumors surfaced during the NHL Draft about the Oilers potentially asking Kane to waive his no-move clause, but these were dismissed by insiders Elliotte Friedman and Ryan Risaugh. The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast also noted that Kane has built a new home in Edmonton and has a positive relationship with the community, making it unlikely that he would seek a move. Kane’s commitment to the team and the city suggests he intends to remain an Oiler.
The Oilers’ Offseason Challenges
The Oilers are currently $2.5 million over the salary cap and need to re-sign restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, in addition to addressing Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension. This financial pressure has led to speculation about further trades to create cap space. While one trade has already been made, more may be necessary.
A key factor in these considerations is Kane’s health. For any potential trade involving Kane, he needs to be healthy, as no team would want to take on his contract if he requires surgery. If the Oilers plan to retain him, ensuring his full recovery is crucial. A fully fit Kane is a significant asset, offering physicality and scoring ability that the team would struggle to replace.
