Evander Kane speaks out for the first time since daughter's death

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane took a personal leave of absence from the team earlier this week and tragically revealed the death of his unborn daughter, Eva, on Thursday.

Amidst the tragedy, Kane took the time to speak with Sharks insider Paul Gackle of the Mercury News and said he he's received countless well wishes after he made the news public. He spoke for the first time since the death of his daughter. 

"It’s actually been pretty surprising, to be honest. The amount of support and where it’s come from," Kane told Gackle.

“It’s been really nice," he added. "It’s definitely been helpful. Lots of different players around the league and management have reached out that I don’t even know. It really makes you appreciate how special the hockey community is. It was pretty humbling to have so many people reach out.”

Kane can get the support of his teammate Erik Karlsson, as he and his wife Melinda had a stillborn son in March 2018. Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer and his wife, Susan, also know first hand what Kane is going through as Gackle revealed that the couple lost a child a week before birth in 2002. 

“I know that Erik and his wife have played a big role in talking to him,” DeBoer said. “The nice part is that he has people around, and more importantly, his wife has people around that can help with that.”

“It’s much more difficult to get through than people think, especially for his wife,” DeBoer said, referring to Melinda Karlsson back on Nov. 26. “You get three, four hours where you can come to the rink and forget about it. But our wives don’t get that luxury. That’s the hard piece.”

Eva died at 26 weeks. Kane shared a heartbreaking message on social media yesterday. 

However you may feel about Kane, this news has to hit you like a punch in the gut. Kudos to the Sharks organization for giving Evander and his wife the time they need to properly process their feelings. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through right now.

All the best to the Kane family.