Report: Kane Agrees To Deal With Oilers After Reported Interest From Capitals

The Washington Capitals were reportedly one of the teams looking into Evander Kane. However, it appears that the forward is headed to Edmonton instead, of course pending NHL eligibility.

Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Kane will sign with the Oilers. His contract will pay $750,000 in salary, as well as a $625,000 signing bonus. His total cap hit will be $2.1 million, and he has a full no-movement clause.

Kane had to wait for the NHL to conduct an investigation after being suspended for the first 21 games of the season for a fake COVID-19 vaccine card. San Jose also terminated his deal after he crossed the border and went broke COVID protocol. The NHLPA and Kane filed a grievance afterward. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told San Jose Hockey Now that Kane can play immediately when he returns to the NHL.

The forward has also dealt with multiple allegations of abuse, assault and gambling over the last few seasons. And per The Hockey News, multiple Sharks expressed in their exit interviews last season that they do not want Kane on the team.

READ MORE ON WHN: Capitals Put In Work At Heavily-Attended Optional Skate

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan also shared an update earlier on Thursday abiout the former Shark, saying that he has been skating in Vancouver. He was “down to two finalists,” which could’ve included Washington, given their reported interest. However, he was leaning toward YEG.

“Given he’s not suspended, Kane ready to sign ASAP and could play as soon as this weekend,” Kaplan wrote. “He’s down to two finalists, but multiple sources tell ESPN they’ll be shocked if Kane doesn’t sign in Edmonton.”

In 56 games last season, Kane dished 22 goals and 49 points. Over a total of 769 games played, the 2008 first-rounder has 264 goals and 506 points. The rumor mill indicated that the Capitals were considering him amid a tough stretch and recent drop in scoring. Washington has dropped eight of its last 11 decisions. Also, the power play is operating at just 13.6 percent, the third-lowest percentage in the league. However, the possible move sparked a bit of controversy given Kane’s reputation.