Players' union siding with Evander Kane in contract termination; his agent makes statement

The union representing players in the NHL is going to bat for Evander Kane after it was announced by the San Jose Sharks that he was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

"We are aware of the San Jose Sharks' stated intent to terminate Evander Kane's contract. The NHLPA intends to challenge any such action by filing a grievance," said the National Hockey League Players' Association.

Kane has been in the AHL since serving a 21 games suspension earlier this season for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card. Kane hasn't played with the San Jose Barracuda since entering COVID protocol on December 22nd, and it was announced Saturday that his contract would be terminated for "violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols."

"The Club will have no further comment on this matter," said the Sharks in a release.

Whether this is a standard reaction by the NHLPA when a player's contract is terminated without mutual agreement or the NHLPA believes Kane is actually innocent isn't known. Following the announcement of the contract termination, reporter Kevin Kurz revealed the reasoning was Kane attempted to travel to Vancouver knowing he was COVID positive.

"The Sharks' Evander Kane contract termination stems primarily from him traveling to Vancouver while COVID positive, according to multiple sources," said Kurz.

Meanwhile, Kane's agent has stated the Sharks don't have grounds to terminate Kane's contract and his camp intends to fight it.

"We are aware of the Sharks' decision to put Evander on waivers for contract termination," said Dan Milstein. "If he clears, we will file a grievance. The Sharks do not have sufficient grounds for taking this action"

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly disagrees, saying the league is satisfied with the reasoning given.

"I can say we are satisfied that they have adequate grounds to terminate," said Daly.

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