McDavid Sold On Oilers Adding Evander Kane, Report Says Deal Close

Count Connor McDavid in. Apparently, the superstar center is on board with the Edmonton Oilers adding forward Evander Kane as a UFA signing if Kane is interested. Both the Oilers and McDavid are reportedly seeing Kane as a good fit in Edmonton where the winger would slot into the team’s top six and add some much-needed scoring depth to the Oilers’ roster.

Related: Holland Confirms Oilers’ Interest in Evander Kane, Not Adding Rental

According to Darren Dreger, during the latest TSN Insider Trading, he reports that the Oilers, along with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, are believed to be in Kane’s top three for possible landing spots now that his contract has been terminated with San Jose Sharks. Dreger reports that Edmonton and GM Ken Holland like the fit, and Holland did confirm at this morning’s media avail that he has reached out to Dan Milstein, Kane’s agent about signing with the Oilers.

Dreger notes, “Most importantly, Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers is most definitely on board with adding Evander Kane.” Dreger adds, “You can look at him as a big, strong left-side power forward who can skate and score. Who doesn’t want to add that in terms of a hockey perspective?”

Dreger says that Kane continues to do his due diligence and they are having Zoom calls but there are reports that he’s looking to make a decision rather quickly and that one could come by the end of the day. The Oilers aren’t afraid to add Kane considering the confidence they have in their leadership group, which includes McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Duncan Keith, and Darnell Nurse, among others.

Tim Peel Reporting It’s a Done Deal

Former referee Tim Peel is reporting that the Oilers are the team and Kane has already decided. He writes, “I’m hearing Evander Kane will be signing in the next few hours. Destination: Edmonton Oilers.” Peel isn’t exactly known to be an insider or a story breaker, but he’s been tweeted consistently over the past 24 hours and saying he’s got an inside source close to Kane.

Take that for what it’s worth.

I’m hearing Evander Kane will be signing in the next few hours. Destination: Edmonton Oilers. @EdmontonOilers #nhl #HockeyTwitter

— Tim Peel (@TimCPeel20) January 11, 2022

Meanwhile, Dan Milstein (the agency that reps Kane) himself reports “still interviewing with teams. No contract in hand. Salary not yet agreed. Many details to be worked out. No travel plans over 48 hours.”

Next: Tuukka Rask Signs 1-Yr, $1 Million Deal with Boston Bruins