NHL investigation into Evander Kane will likely mean he has to wait to sign with new team according to Insider
The push to sign new free agent Evander Kane may take longer than expected. That's according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who says the NHL's investigation into the termination of Kane's contract with San Jose could mean teams will wait before getting him to sign anything.
"Hearing NHL has notified teams it is investigating process of Evander Kane crossing border from US into Canada on Dec. 29," said Friedman.
"Kane tested positive for COVID on Dec. 21, and flew to Vancouver on the 29th. In termination notice from SJ, it was alleged he did not have proper medical clearance. NHL is now doing full investigation," he continued.
"This will likely prevent a Kane signing in the short term, as teams await the results."
The big issue here is whether a criminal offense occurred when Kane decided to hop on an airplane and head to Vancouver without medical clearance. If that is the case, that could derail everything completely.
The Edmonton Oilers appear to be the frontrunner for Kane's services since he became a free agent. The Florida Panthers are still rumoured to be in the mix. Tampa Bay was in there as well, but have reportedly since pulled out. No reason has been given.
Kane tested positive for COVID on Dec. 21, and flew to Vancouver on the 29th. In termination notice from SJ, it was alleged he did not have proper medical clearance. NHL is now doing full investigation(2/3)— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 12, 2022
Kane tested positive for COVID on Dec. 21, and flew to Vancouver on the 29th. In termination notice from SJ, it was alleged he did not have proper medical clearance. NHL is now doing full investigation(2/3)— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 12, 2022
|
YESTERDAY
APRIL 28, 2026
| ||||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Kirill Kaprizov | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Evan Bouchard | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Leon Draisaitl | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Matthew Boldy | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Miro Heiskanen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jason Robertson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Connor McDavid | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Ryan Nugent-Hopkins | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Zach Hyman | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Alexander Killorn | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Elias Lindholm | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Michael McCarron | 1 | - | 1 | |
| David Pastrnak | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Vasily Podkolzin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Mats Zuccarello | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Matt Duchene | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Cutter Gauthier | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ryan Hartman | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Quinn Hughes | - | 1 | 1 | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 82 | 50 | 23 | 9 | 109 | |
| Lightning | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
| Canadiens | 82 | 48 | 24 | 10 | 106 | |
| Bruins | 82 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 100 | |
| Senators | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 99 | |
| Red Wings | 82 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 92 | |
| Panthers | 82 | 40 | 38 | 4 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 82 | 32 | 36 | 14 | 78 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 82 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 | |
| Penguins | 82 | 41 | 25 | 16 | 98 | |
| Flyers | 82 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 | |
| Capitals | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 95 | |
| Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | 92 | |
| Islanders | 82 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 91 | |
| Devils | 82 | 42 | 37 | 3 | 87 | |
| Rangers | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Avalanche | 82 | 55 | 16 | 11 | 121 | |
| Stars | 82 | 50 | 20 | 12 | 112 | |
| Wild | 82 | 46 | 24 | 12 | 104 | |
| Mammoth | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Blues | 82 | 37 | 33 | 12 | 86 | |
| Predators | 82 | 38 | 34 | 10 | 86 | |
| Jets | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 82 | |
| Blackhawks | 82 | 29 | 39 | 14 | 72 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Golden Knights | 82 | 39 | 26 | 17 | 95 | |
| Oilers | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | |
| Ducks | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Kings | 82 | 35 | 27 | 20 | 90 | |
| Sharks | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 | |
| Kraken | 82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 | |
| Flames | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| Canucks | 82 | 25 | 49 | 8 | 58 | |
COMPLETE STANDINGS | ||||||