Edmonton Oilers
Evander Kane Injury Setback Could Mean Big Cap Trade for Oilers
Insider Frank Seravalli notes another surgery on Evander Kane will delay is rehab and create questions for the Edmonton Oilers.
As per a report on Friday by Frank Seravalli, “#Oilers say Evander Kane underwent knee surgery in Edmonton on Thursday.”He added, “It’s unrelated to September’s abdominal surgery, but team says it will cause him to pause that rehab in the meantime. Expected recovery from knee surgery portion is 4-8 weeks. Then what for abdominal?.”
The hint here is that a second unrelated surgery to the first issue will push back Kane’s recovery and return to the Oilers by a significant timeline. That could mean that Kane won’t be returning to the team in time for the regular season to finish. If so, he could be added to LTIR, potentially back in time for the postseason, where if he returns, his cap hit won’t count against the team. That would allow the Oilers to use both the accrued cap space they’ve generated with his IR status and the full amount of his salary cap to add ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.
Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic notes that the new surgery will force him to pause recovery from the abdominal surgery he had in September for four to eight weeks. Johnston adds, “If he’s unable to return this regular season, the team can continue to use his $5.125M cap hit in LTIR.”
Tom Gazzola of Edmonton Sports Talk posted: “Evander Kane providing an update on his injury recovery. Says he still hasn’t been on the ice after abdominal surgery. Doesn’t know exactly when he will be back on the ice. Adds he does still expect to be able to play this season.” Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 cited Kane who said, “This surgery was done so I could come back this season. I’m excited to get it done now, rather than wait until my other rehab was fulling complete.”
Kane has not played this season for the Oilers but early estimates had him potentially returning to the team in March. That seems questionable with reports of the new surgery.
What Will the Oilers Do If Kane Doesn’t Return Until the Playoffs?
The plan for the Oilers has to be to take Kane’s salary cap and spend it ahead of the deadline. Reports on Thursday from Pierre LeBrun were that the Oilers were calling teams about an upgrade to their blue line. They are flexible on what type of defenseman they add, but it is believed the team wants a clear upgrade, which could mean adding a player with a significant salary.
If Kane is out, plus the accrued cap space worked into the equation, the Oilers can add an important player who could be a game-changer.
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