NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane talks about his community initiative amid injury recovery (Source: Imagn)

Oilers' Evander Kane shares how he's spending Christmas with over 200 kids while recovering from injury

Modified Dec 19, 2024 20:17 GMT

Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane is making this Christmas special for over 200 kids in Edmonton. Despite recovering from a major surgery, Kane continues his annual holiday initiative to support children in the community.

In an interview with TMZ's Michael James Babcock on Wednesday, Kane shared details of the project, which he started in 2021.

"Yeah, it's something that I actually started two years ago," Kane said. "This is our third annual shop. I came up with the idea when I was injured, I had my wrist cut open and was up for a lengthy period. I wanted to find a meaningful way to impact kids in the Edmonton community, obviously, around the Christmas and holiday season."

Now in its third year, the program has grown from supporting 100 kids initially to over 200 in 2023.

"It was something that I've done in other cities as well and wanted to kind of continue that," Kane said. "Last year we had 200 kids. Year before, I think it was 100 and we've kind of bumped it up. It's going to be 200 plus kids again."

Kane credited sponsors like the Edmonton Oilers Foundation for helping expand the initiative.

Evander Kane's recovery follows surgeries to address severe injuries sustained last season, including torn muscles and hernia. Kane is in the third season of a four-year, $20.5 million contract.

HC Kris Knoblauch provided an update on Evander Kane

Evander Kane is recovering from surgery for a sports hernia and is not expected back for at least a month.

On Dec. 10, Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch confirmed Kane is receiving treatment several times a week but has no exact return date.

“You’re not going to see or hear anything on him for at least a month,” Knoblauch said (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.”

Initial recovery estimates suggested February or March, but a return in late January is now possible. The Oilers have avoided placing Evander Kane on long-term injured reserve. Kane’s absence has been challenging for the team, but the Oilers are working to improve. They are 18-11-2 and third in the Pacific Division.