Top 3 Evander Kane replacements if Oilers place forward on LTIR next season feat. Jakub Vrana

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 13, 2024 15:53 GMT

Reports emerged this week indicating Evander Kane could likely land on the long-term injury reserve (LTIR) list to start the season. After dealing with an injury during last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kane could wind up being forced to undergo surgery, according to NHL insider Bob Stauffer.

The report is a troubling one for the Oilers given that Kane is expected to be a top-six forward for Edmonton.

If Kane is placed on LTIR, the Oilers will be forced to adapt by finding a replacement to fill-in as a left winger. They will have to use the extra cap space that will temporarily be available to them.

From there, the team will have two options, either trade Evander Kane once he's healthy, or figure out a way to dance around the salary cap.

In the meantime, with training camp rapidly approaching, the Oilers are looking to find a suitable replacement in free agency.

Three players who could replace Evander Kane if the Oilers place him on LTIR

#1: Jakub Vrana

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues - Source: Imagn

Jakub Vrana is currently an unrestricted free agent after playing out his previous contract, which carried an average annual value of $5.25 million, with the St. Louis Blues. If the Oilers place Evander Kane on LTIR, his $5.125 million contract won't count against the team for now, opening the door for Vrana.

Although he's one of the most expensive options available, while playing in the AHL for the majority of last season, he racked up 36 points in just 42 games. It makes him an intriguing candidate for the Oilers this season if they're willing to take a gamble on the 28-year-old.

#2: Mike Hoffman

NHL: Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks - Source: Imagn

While Mike Hoffman may not be able to produce at the same rate he did when he was a two-time All-Star, the 34-year-old brings a ton of experience. It will be especially useful to an Oilers team looking to win it all after coming up short in the Stanley Cup Finals last season.

Last year, Hoffman had an AAV of $4.5 million, meaning that the Oilers would still have money leftover to negotiate with their restricted free agents if Kane winds up on LTIR. During the 2023-24 season, Hoffman logged 23 points over 66 games for the San Jose Sharks.

#3: Oskar Lindblom

While Oskar Lindblom may not have as much experience as some of the other players on this list, at 27-year-old, signing him to fill in for Evander Kane could be a win-win for both sides. Lindblom is currently set to return to play in Sweden, meaning the Oilers could be his last chance to remain in the NHL.

Because of that, the Oilers could likely negotiate a team-friendly deal that gives Lindblom a chance to stay in the league. It will also give the team some breathing room when it comes to cap space. While he may not have produced at a high rate in San Jose, a change of scenery could be exactly what Lindblom needs.