The Vancouver Canucks and forward Evander Kane have had a tough 2025-26 season, sitting at 16-22-5 and near the bottom of the Pacific Division. The team has lost several close games, and it is currently on a five-game losing streak. They dropped their fifth game against the Detroit Red Wings in a 5-1 lopsided loss.
Elias Pettersson leads the team in scoring, but the required offensive support has been missing. Furthermore, defensive mistakes have put constant pressure on goaltending and the rest of the lineup. Vancouver has been searching for ways to adjust its roster, but the process is becoming increasingly complex with each passing game.
Canucks Explore Difficult Trade Options for Evander Kane
Evander Kane joined Vancouver in June 2025, coming from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. The 34-year-old winger missed the entire previous season with Edmonton while recovering from a sports hernia and knee surgeries, and there was excitement for his hometown return.
Kane is signed to a four-year, $20.5 million contract, earning $5.125 million in salary (average annual), which ends at the conclusion of this season. This year, he has six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 42 games, so he is playing as usual. However, his scoring has declined from the previous season.
Insider Rick Dhaliwal spoke on Sportsnet 650’s Halford & Brough in the Morning, saying the Canucks may have tried to move Kane back to Edmonton.
“It could be tough. One team told me, have fun moving him (Kane),” Dhaliwal said. “You got the contract, you got the production that isn’t great, you got the age, injuries; he didn’t play in the regular season last year. He’s got trade protection. A couple of people told me the Canucks tried to peddle him back to Edmonton. I haven’t confirmed that… Why wouldn’t you if you’re desperate?” Dhaliwal added that his Edmonton source told him the Oilers have likely moved on from considering him for a return.
Kane still brings size, net-front presence, and a heavy power game. He uses his strength to win puck battles and create space for teammates. Even with a change of team and playing with new linemates, he remains an essential part of Vancouver’s forward group.
READ MORE: Canucks Ensure Red Wings Star Patrick Kane’s Place in NHL History Books
While Kane continues to contribute on the ice, the Canucks face challenges in improving their results. The reports that Vancouver explored sending him back to Edmonton suggest that they have likely lost any remaining hopes of contending this season. It first became evident when they traded their captain, Quinn Hughes.
Looking ahead, Vancouver will face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. ET. The Canucks enter the game with a less stable record, while Toronto sits at 21-15-7. This matchup will test Vancouver’s defense and scoring depth, and Kane’s performance will be crucial to give the hardcore Vancouver fans some positivity in an upsetting season.
