NHL trade rumors: $20.5M Evander Kane may be on new Oilers GM's crosshairs as trade facilitator

By ARJUN B

Modified Aug 06, 2024 12:30 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers made a surprising run to the Stanley Cup final last season but fell short against the Florida Panthers. While superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl performed up to expectations, Evander Kane's production left something to be desired.

The veteran winger signed a four-year, $20.5 million contract last year, but injuries and inconsistent play have led to speculation that new Oilers GM Stan Bowman may look to move him, as per Adam Proteau of The Hockey News.

Kane scored 24 goals and provided 20 assists in 77 regular season games. During the playoffs, he only scored four goals and recorded eight points in 20 games before being sidelined by injuries for the cup final.

With two years left on his contract, Kane has a full no-movement clause this upcoming season. That turns into a modified no-trade clause on Feb. 28, 2025, giving Bowman an opportunity to potentially deal Kane next summer.

Oilers insider Bob Stauffer speculates about Evander Kane's future

Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, shared his thoughts on the future of winger Evander Kane.

Stauffer acknowledged that Kane's contract situation makes it difficult to move him.

"The problem is you just can’t snap your fingers and move out Evander Kane," he said last month to the Edmonton Journal.

At his best, Stauffer believes Kane can be a top-six forward, saying:

"If they get the Evander Kane from two years ago that is a Top 6 forward. Realistically he has the physical skillset to be a 30-goal scorer in this league."

However, Stauffer pointed out that Kane has not consistently performed at that high level.

"He can score 20 in his sleep... But now the problem, there are two other guys (new signings) in the mix, Jeff Skinner, who has had six 30-goal season and Viktor Arvidsson, who has scored 30 and has had six 20 goal seasons."

Looking ahead, Stauffer believes Kane's future in Edmonton is uncertain.

"I don’t know how easily he would be to trade. I think he knows that there’s a pretty good situation here."

Stauffer believes Kane may still provide value in a top-six role if he can regain his peak form, but it's an open question if that will happen in Edmonton.