Oilers Know Evander Kane Can Get Job Done: Question Is, Will He?

Evander Kane has decided to stay. He signed with the Edmonton Oilers for four years at a little over $20 million. If this works out, it’s a good bargain for the Oilers.

However, as Oilers’ fans saw last season during his time in Edmonton, the issue isn’t Kane’s play, it’s the other stuff. And, over the years, there has been a lot of other stuff.

Related: Brett Kulak Re-Signs With Oilers, Inks 4-Year Extension

What I Learned About Kane Watching Him with the Oilers

Not having watched Kane much when he was with American teams, the two most interesting things that I saw when I watched him play were (1) his physicality – he’s tough and very strong and (2) the way he sticks up for teammates. Those were two things I didn’t expect.

Furthermore, these attributes add great value to the team. In some ways, Kane’s not just a winger who can keep up with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And, he’s more than a team member who can score. He’s also a player who isn’t afraid to ride shotgun for his teammates. That’s a thing. And it’s something the Oilers can benefit from.

Can Kane Have a Career Season with Edmonton?

With the Oilers, Kane provides that extra toughness and speed up all over the ice. His playmaking and goal scoring add lots to the Edmonton lineup. He also has some strong chemistry with his teammates. When he hit the Oilers’ roster last season, it worked. He made other players better, and he got better as well.

There might even be more to come. As in, with this highly potent offense, it is possible that Kane could find his way to scoring 50 goals on a season. For all his offensive reputation, he’s only scored 30 goals (exactly) two times. One was in 2011-12 in his first season with the Winnipeg Jets and the other was in 2018-19 with the San Jose Sharks.

Related: 7 Cool Facts About Maple Leafs’ Goalie Jack Campbell

The Oilers Might Be Set Up to Absorb Kane’s Rough Edges

One thing about Kane is the previous controversy. You want to ignore it, but that doesn’t seem wise. Fortunately, one thing the Oilers have is character. Zach Hyman is a solid citizen. Incoming Jack Campbell is a solid citizen. Both McDavid and Draisaitl are solid citizens. Tyson Barrie might not stay around; but, if he does, he’s a solid citizen as well. There are others: all good guys in the locker room.

What the Oilers must count on is that Kane is maturing, and the past is the past. If not, it might become a lumpy mattress for the team and the players to rest on. As far as being a strong player who fits with the roster, that seems a given. In fact, in an interview after the signing today, Ken Holland noted that – to a player on the Oilers – they wanted Kane back with the team.

Kane Wanted a Bigger Payday, But He Is Where He’s Wanted

For Kane, he obviously wanted more money. But Oilers general manager Holland understood the situation well. He said, basically, we want you here. We think our offer is as much as you’ll get anywhere else. But, go see. Talk to other teams.

After that, It didn’t take long for Kane to sign.

.@evanderkane_9 announced he has signed a four-year extension with the @EdmontonOilers. ✍️

Thoughts on the deal? 🤔 #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/nYDEvHTPND

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 13, 2022

Is Kane happy? Probably not. Does that matter in the long run? I really don’t know. But he obviously can adapt to the Oilers’ on-ice system and will likely – if things go well health wise – set a new career high in goals. He can ride up and down the wing, scoring and getting involved.

As the playoffs showed last season, he can finish his plays. Now, can he finish the season in a good head space? That might be more the question the Oilers are facing. But for them, it’s a win-now attitude; and, they are betting that Kane’s a guy who can help them!

We’ll see.

Related: Jack Campbell Signs 5-Year Deal With the Edmonton Oilers