NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman claims Oilers, $20,500,000 forward were "scrutinized" by NHL for LTIR usage

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Apr 24, 2025 07:19 GMT

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The Edmonton Oilers played without Evander Kane in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. He missed the game due to hip and knee injuries. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes there might be another reason.

He said the NHL looked into how teams used LTIR late in the season. LTIR lets teams replace the cap space of injured players. The Oilers and Kane, who is signed to a four-year, $20.5 million contract, may have been part of that review.

Friedman shared this on Sportsnet during the second intermission on Monday. He said the NHL asked teams for details on why certain players missed Game 82.

"You know, one of the things we've talked about a little bit on the podcast, but I've heard the NHL really scrutinized a number of teams about their LTIR use late in the regular season, and they wanted detailed explanations of why some players couldn't play game 82 and then could be ready for game one of the playoffs. I think Kane was one of those players."

Evander Kane did not play during the 2024–25 regular season. He had surgeries on his hip and knee. He is now close to returning, according to head coach Kris Knoblauch, who said Kane might be available for Game 2. Kane also missed Saturday’s optional skate.

Edmonton Oilers lose to LA Kings in Evander Kane's absence in Game 1

The Edmonton Oilers lost Game 1 by a score of 6-5. The Kings took a 4-0 lead before McDavid's camp made a comeback with four goals in the third period. McDavid had one goal and three assists in the loss. Draisaitl, Perry, and Hyman also scored for Edmonton.

“From our group in here, the pushback was fantastic and expected,” Edmonton forward Adam Henrique said, via NHL.com. “It’s tough, obviously, giving up the one right after tying it up.”

The Oilers will hope to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.