Evander Kane on the brink of Edmonton exit following latest report

The Edmonton Oilers lost in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers for the second straight year and there is no doubt that changes will be coming to the roster. Just days after the championship loss, it was reported that the Oilers were closing in on a max-term extension for forward Trent Frederic, which is an added element to add to the financial situation of Edmonton.

The Oilers have just less than $12 million in cap space available and the focus is on re-signing Evan Bouchard to a massive extension. According to Nick Kypreos, this is likely to mark the end of Evander Kane’s tenure in Edmonton.

“[The Oilers will] need to create some room with movement elsewhere on the roster, leaving Evander Kane as a trade candidate to allow GM Stan Bowman to have more wiggle room.

“Kane makes $5.125 million against the cap for just one more season before becoming a UFA and he’ll turn 34 this summer. Kane missed the entire 2024-25 regular season before scoring six goals and 12 points in 21 playoff games. However, only one of those points came in the Stanley Cup Final, where he took some costly penalties that will be fresher in the minds of the Oilers.

“Kane has a 16-team trade protection list, so will have some say in the situation.”

In the postseason, after a full year out of action, Kane did not return as a quality player and posted six goals and 12 points in 21 games. He had played through injury most of last season, and still led the Oilers in hits while scoring 24 goals. Completely different story this postseason and now Kane might pay for it.

Moving Kane just sounds ideal with, in addition to Frederic, forwards Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner, Kasperi Kapanen and Corey Perry, and defenseman John Klingberg also being eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1.

With re-signing Bouchard at the top of the list, will be new contract extension for captain Connor McDavid as well.

Kane might be the odd man out and I have to say, I believe some fans will be glad about it.