Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane appears to be on thin ice as the organization heads into a pivotal offseason.
Reports indicate that the NHL is taking a close look at his recent return from long-term injured reserve (LTIR). On top of that, his actions after the Stanley Cup Finals have raised doubts among fans and insiders about his future with the team.
NHL Investigation Adds Pressure to Evander Kane
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the league is examining whether the Oilers properly followed the Collective Bargaining Agreement in activating Kane from LTIR during the playoffs.
Kane had been on LTIR all season following multiple surgeries, including hip adductor surgery, hernia repair, and knee procedures, and was only cleared to return just before the postseason began.
The NHL is expected to continue reviewing the situation, and there is a possibility of retroactive punishment if it is determined that the league’s LTIR rules were bypassed. While no team has ever been penalized for LTIR usage in the cap era, reports suggest that this case is being studied more closely than usual.
Also on Oilers, in an effort to create additional salary cap space, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the names of Evander Kane (16-team trade list) and Viktor Arvidsson (full NMC) pop up in the trade market this month.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 18, 2025
The Oilers have reportedly complied with all league requests. Still, any potential salary cap penalties could have significant financial consequences, especially with other key players, such as Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, due for contract extensions soon.
Adding to the tension, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on X that Kane is viewed as a “trade asset” this summer if the Oilers need cap flexibility or wish to reshape their roster. With a $5.125 million cap hit on the books for next season and increased uncertainty surrounding his future, multiple teams could show interest in acquiring the 33-year-old winger.
Stanley Cup Finals Drama and Sportsmanship Questions
Kane’s playoff presence was not without controversy. He drew a 10-minute misconduct in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final after slashing Matthew Tkachuk and was noticeably absent from the customary handshake line following Florida’s 5-1 series-clinching win.
Observers called the skipped handshake unusual and saw it as a sign of disrespect toward both the Panthers and the sport, sparking backlash across social media.
That moment, coupled with the ongoing LTIR concern, has fueled speculation that the Oilers may cut ties with Kane in the offseason. Teammates and fans now face uncertainty about whether he will return in 2025–26 or whether a trade might be the better solution for the franchise.
Evander Kane hissy fit to end the series#LetsGoOilers | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/mJjnJjingE
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) June 18, 2025
As Edmonton enters the 2025 offseason, the Oilers have just under $12 million in salary cap space, not including pending extensions or any relief from Kane’s long-term injured reserve status. If retroactive penalties are imposed, those numbers could sway the team’s decision-making.
General manager Ken Holland may need to make a tough call: hold on, trade or buy out.
Kane saw his role diminish in the playoffs, notching one goal while accumulating 32 penalty minutes. Meanwhile, other Oilers veterans and prospects are waiting in the wings to prove themselves.
Oilers after giving Trent Frederic $4m x 8 year contract:
$7.96m in cap space:
Contracts to sign:
— Evan Bouchard (needs ~$10m)
— Evander Kane
— Connor Brown
— Jeff Skinner
— Corey Perry
— Kasperi Kapanen
— John KlingbergHow the hell is this team supposed to improve? pic.twitter.com/L4nKMdtWJN
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) June 18, 2025
As the NHL continues to scrutinize LTIR usage and team conduct, the Oilers face a critical offseason. Kane’s future remains uncertain, and what happens next could reshape Edmonton’s roster and identity. Will he still be in orange next season, or is this the end of the road in Edmonton?
