Edmonton Oilers v Dallas Stars - Game One - Source: Getty — Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch provides sobering update on Evander Kane (Getty)

Evander Kane injury update: Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch provides sobering update on $20.5M winger

Modified Dec 11, 2024 15:00 GMT

Evander Kane has not appeared for the Edmonton Oilers this year. While they attempt to return to and win the Stanley Cup Final this year, they've had to do so entirely without one of their stars. Unfortunately for the team and its fans, that's not going to change any time soon.

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Per Sportsnet columnist Mark Spector on Tuesday, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said that the $20.5 million winger (per Spotrac), who is dealing with the recovery from sports hernia surgery in the offseason, won't be around any time soon.

"You're not going to see or hear anything on him for at least a month," the coach said.

Kane has already missed about two months of the season, and Knoblauch isn't going to have any sort of information until 2025 at the earliest. It remains to be seen when Kane might be able to contribute to the team again.

Knoblauch also added via NHL Trade Talk:

“He’s got a schedule that he comes in on certain days and gets treatment. Whether we’re on the road or we’re at home. He’s coming in several times a week and getting that treatment.”

For now, Kane has not been transferred to long-term IR. That would open some cap space for the Oilers to sign a replacement, but they're hopeful he will return before the playoffs, and the cap space will have to go to his salary.

Oilers get good injury news as they continue to have no update on Evander Kane

Right now, Evander Kane is one of just two injured players for the Edmonton Oilers. They have largely been the picture of health, though they did lose Connor McDavid for a brief spell.

Evander Kane is still out indefinitely for the Oilers (Imagn)

Viktor Arvidsson is also hurt, but he seems to be nearing a return. Kris Knoblauch said recently via Daily Hive:

“He’s been skating and feeling better, not going to play immediately. We’re hoping that he’s back practicing with the team this week.”

So far, Arvidsson has missed 11 games after an initial day-to-day expectation. Unlike Kane, though, the team does have information on him and a positive update. He should be back in the top six for Knoblauch and the Oilers sooner rather than later.