The question hung in the air like a missed shot. Don Waddell, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ new general manager, shifted uncomfortably when asked about potentially reuniting with Evander Kane. The same player he once drafted fourth overall back in 2009. His response said everything without saying much at all.
Why Did Don Waddell Keep the Door Closed on an Evander Kane Reunion?
“You wanted to make that deal,” Waddell said in a recent interview. “But we all realize at some point it’s probably better just to remain the way it is.”
That measured response revealed more than any lengthy explanation could. Here was a GM choosing caution over nostalgia, despite their shared history dating back to Waddell’s days running the Atlanta Thrashers when Kane entered the league.
The early years showed so much promise. Kane looked like the perfect complement to Ilya Kovalchuk, a top-line power forward ready to terrorize opposing defenses. He backed up the hype too, scoring 30 goals at just 20 years old and proving why Atlanta had selected him so high in the draft.
From the June 27, 2009 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vancouver Giants forward Evander Kane is picked fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers at the NHL Draft pic.twitter.com/HwMjpzxcXA
— WHL History (@WHL_History) July 12, 2025
However, that early brilliance gradually faded. Off-ice issues and inconsistent play began overshadowing Kane’s talent. Whether fair or not, controversy followed him from city to city: Atlanta to Winnipeg, Buffalo to San Jose, and eventually Edmonton. The baggage became part of his story.
When pressed about his personal experience working with Kane, Waddell remained diplomatic.
“Mine was good. We drafted him as an 18-year-old player, and he had a great start to his career right off the bat. Always with me, he was very professional and very good. I’ve seen him throughout the years and always talked to him; I got along great with him,” he said.
But his words about Columbus told a different story. The Blue Jackets clearly preferred to look elsewhere for their roster needs.
How Did Kane End Up in Vancouver After His Edmonton Exit?
Kane’s departure from the Edmonton Oilers surprised few around the league. After missing the entire regular season recovering from surgeries, he returned for the playoffs and posted 12 points in 21 games. Solid production given the circumstances.
The problem wasn’t performance but economics. Edmonton faced serious salary cap constraints with key decisions looming. They needed to re-sign players like Evan Bouchard while preparing for Connor McDavid’s next contract. Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit simply didn’t fit their plans.
RELATED: Leafs Winger Tears Evander Kane To Shreds Over Canucks Star’s All-Bark-No-Bite Attitude
So the Oilers worked with Kane’s representatives to find a landing spot. That search led to the Vancouver Canucks, bringing Kane back to his hometown. Edmonton received a fourth-round pick in return, a modest return for a player entering the final year of his contract.
For Kane, the move represented a fresh start in familiar territory. The Canucks see untapped potential in a player whose career has weathered significant storms, from legal battles to a 21-game suspension. Despite those challenges, he’s maintained his productivity when healthy.
Vancouver believes Kane’s physicality and playoff experience can bolster their middle-six forward group. Playing closer to home might provide the stability he needs for this next chapter. Meanwhile, Columbus moves forward without revisiting old connections, exactly as Waddell suggested they should.
