Evander Kane’s time in Edmonton, Canada, is over. After four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, he’s being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. The veteran forward shared a message on social media, thanking the Oilers organization, the players he suited up with, and the fans who cheered him on.
Evander Kane Leaves Edmonton Oilers, Heads Home to Vancouver
Kane talked about the highs and lows of his time in Edmonton and said he appreciated his and his family’s support. The Oilers, he said, won’t be forgotten.
“As my time with the @EdmontonOilers has now come to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the entire organization, my teammates, and the incredible community of Edmonton,” Kane said.
He shared specific thanks to those who were a part of his journey, directly addressing the ownership, his teammates, and the fans.
As my time with the @EdmontonOilers has now come to a close, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the entire organization, my teammates, and the incredible community of Edmonton.
To the Oilers Ownership, front office, coaching staff, and trainers—thank you for believing in… pic.twitter.com/huOxax5FxK
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) June 25, 2025
This move is more than a trade on paper. For Kane, it’s a homecoming. He grew up in Vancouver and played junior hockey there. Now, he gets to wear the Canucks jersey, something that means a lot to him.
“I’m incredibly excited for the next chapter of my career as I join the @Canucks. It’s an honor to become part of an organization and team I grew up watching as a kid,” Kane said. Vancouver is a city that lives and breathes hockey, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of my hometown as I did many years ago as a Vancouver Giant.”
The Oilers didn’t trade Kane just to shake things up. The real reason was money; the team needed to make room under the salary cap. In the trade, the Oilers sent Kane to the Canucks and got a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (originally from Ottawa). They also didn’t keep any of his salary. That saves them $5.125 million a year.
Trade details:
To #Canucks:
Evander KaneTo #Oilers:
OTT 2025 4th Round PickNo salary retained, Edmonton clears $5.125 million off the books.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 25, 2025
Why does that matter? The Oilers are planning ahead. They need to extend defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl’s contract situation is also on the horizon. That cap space helps with both.
Kane didn’t play during the 2024-25 regular season because of abdominal and lower-body surgeries. He came back for the playoffs and had 12 points in 21 games. He showed flashes of his old self, but he only scored once in the Stanley Cup Final. Tough penalties also drew criticism.
Still, he is a player who brings grit, energy, and a scoring touch. That’s something the Canucks could use, especially if Brock Boeser moves on. Plus, Kane sounds ready for the opportunity. He said joining the Canucks is an honor and that he’s excited to play at home again.
This deal gives the Oilers more room to work with heading into a big offseason. For Kane, it’s a second chance in a city that’s always been part of his story.
