Prior to the start of this most recent season, the Vancouver Canucks brought native son Evander Kane into the fold after he had played the last several seasons as a member of the rival Edmonton Oilers, helping them to consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.
However, Kane’s time with the Canucks, which was rumored to potentially be ending in the days leading up to last month’s NHL Trade Deadline, appears to have been decided.
Evander Kane Was Not Present For Season-Ending Meetings
The Canucks, who had their annual locker room clean-out day on Friday, had several players speak to media members. However, Kane was not among them, according to TSN Insider Farhan Lalji.
During what was his first and potentially only season with the Canucks, Kane appeared in 71 games and scored 13 goals while adding 18 assists. He was playing in the final season of a four-year, $20.5 million contract he signed in Edmonton, which carried a salary cap hit of $5.125 million.
He was originally selected in the first round (fourth overall) by the Atlanta Thrashers, now known as the Winnipeg Jets, in the 2009 NHL Draft. He’s played for multiple organizations throughout his career, including the Thrashers/Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks.
In 1,001 career NHL games, Kane has tallied 339 goals with 309 assists along with 1,278 penalty minutes. He’s also added 32 goals and 23 assists with 248 penalty minutes in 97 career games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Canucks Acquired Kane From The Oilers During Last Offseason
Last offseason, now-former Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin acquired Kane from the Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
“I think every team is looking to be harder to play against and for us, with the group we have here, when a player like this comes available to the cost, we felt we have a chance to upgrade our top-nine, mid-six, and become a harder team to play against,” Allvin said after the deal went through. “Obviously, Evander, the way his contract was structured, he had a preferred 15 teams to go to, and Vancouver was his preferred destination.”
Kane himself announced the news on his social media account and wrote a special message of thanks to the Oilers and their fans for his time spent with the organization.
“To the Oilers ownership, front office, coaching staff, and trainers, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a respected and passionate franchise,” Kane said on X, formerly Twitter. “Your support meant everything, and I’ll always be grateful for the chance to compete in the blue and orange.
“To my teammates, thank you for the battles, the friendships, and the memories. I’ll always remember the playoff runs, the highs and lows, and the pride of going to war with a special group of guys.”
However, in the weeks leading up to the Trade Deadline last month, Kane was linked to numerous teams, including the Dallas Stars. While he ultimately wasn’t moved from the Canucks, he very well may be looking for a new club this offseason.
Evander Kane’s Future With Canucks May Have Been Sealed