Evander Kane’s days are numbered in Edmonton!

The Edmonton Oilers lost in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers for the second straight year less than 24 hours ago, but the business cap is back on for general manager Stan Bowman, who appears to be close to a decison on the fate of forward Evander Kane.

According to many, including insider Frank Seravalli, the team is currently considering its use of long-term injury (LTIR) salary cap relief with Kane and trade rumours or even buyout chatter have emerged.

“Kane is entering the final season of a five-year, $20.5 million deal and is expected to be trade fodder this summer as the Oilers will seek salary cap flexibility. Any potential retroactive punishment by the NHL would loom large as every penny counts in Edmonton with extensions kicking in for Leon Draisaitl and likely Evan Bouchard.”

The report emerges not only less than 24 hours after the Oilers’ Stanley Cup loss, but also after it was pointed out how Kane was not seen in the handshake line at the end of the game, with the Panthers getting crowned champions. Kane is a controversial player on and off the ice and his classless actions from last night should not stun anyone, though they remain unacceptable.

Kane has not commented yet on why he was allegedly absent from the handshake line.

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.

Earlier today, we share a report 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.

Kane owns a 16-team trade list as part of his contract, but moving him out would create additional cap space for Bowman to play with. The Oilers have $13 million in salary cap space going into next season, and at the top of the list will be new contract extensions for Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard, who are eligible for new deals once free agency opens.

In addition to Frederic, forwards Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner, Kasperi Kapanen and Corey Perry, and defenseman John Klingberg, are also eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1.

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