Despite being bitter Pacific Division rivals, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers haven’t been shy about going toe-to-toe over the years.
The most recent of them all, of course, was this summer’s deal that sent Evander Kane to his hometown team in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Although we’re only just over halfway through Kane’s first season as a Canuck, the status of the franchise has changed dramatically in that time, and as a result, his name is back in trade talks.
That said, moving him will be easier said than done, and according to insider Rick Dhaliwal, they have already tried to send him back to Edmonton, but to no avail.
Dhaliwal said:
“A few people told me the Canucks were trying to sell him back to Edmonton, and I haven’t confirmed that. Why wouldn’t you do that if you’re desperate? Why wouldn’t you do that? But my source in Edmonton told me that ship has sailed to the Oilers. That ship has sailed.”
Kane, 34, is a UFA awaiting the fourth and final season of the four-year, $20.5 million contract he originally signed with the Oilers in 2022. He scored just 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) through his first 42 games in Vancouver.
Can the Oilers change their minds about Evander Kane?
While Dhaliwal makes it clear that the Oilers are set on a reunion with Kane, one wonders if that stance could change before the March 6 trade deadline.
It seems unlikely, but if Vancouver is willing to eat some salary or take back a substantial contract, Edmonton could do worse than re-acquiring a veteran hire they know. It’s important to note that retention cannot flow directly from the Canucks to the Oilers. Vancouver would have to trade for someone else before Kane returned to Edmonton.
That said, Kane has had his fair share of off-ice issues during his career, and there’s a reason why GM Stan Bowman was willing to let him go for next to nothing this offseason.
Never say never, but unless the circumstances align perfectly over the next two months, we won’t see Kane in an Oilers uniform again this season at least.
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