The Edmonton Oilers will need depth scoring for cheap this summer. One option could be a former player in Evander Kane. The ex-Oilers winger is a pending UFA coming off a 13-goal season. He had 31 total points in 71 games. It’s certainly not something that stands out, which is why few analysts and insiders are talking about him as free agency on July 1 approaches.
However, Kane would like to keep playing. He’s said he loved his time in Edmonton. He’s also going to be highly motivated as a 34-year-old who isn’t eligible for a bonus-heavy contract. If there’s a year to get what you can out of him on a cost-friendly deal, this upcoming season is it.
The question will be, how motivated is he? Does he believe his career is winding down, thus he’s half trying and just talking whatever deals he can get until he quietly fades away from the NHL? Or, is he looking to rebound, will put in the effort, be the model citizen, and give his all?
If he’s the latter, the Oilers make sense.
Kane put up multiple 20-plus goal seasons with the Oilers. He led their team in playoff scoring in the first season he arrived. Things were’t always rosy, but that’s the give-and-take with a player like him. He’s got a way of rubbing people the wrong way. For the most part, he was good in Edmonton and non-disruptive. His biggest issue was bad penalties and poor decision-making on the ice. He got called out by his own teammates a couple of times, but everyone has those moments.
If he’s coming in around $1 – $1.5 million, the question the Oilers should ask is if they’re willing to overlook it. Someone like Mike Babcock (if hired) might not be. That could either be a gift for Kane or a curse. If those two don’t see eye to eye, it will be a short-lived stint back in Oil Country. If Babcock (or a coach like him), can keep Kane on the right path, there’s a chance a team-friendly deal on a very motivated Evander Kane might wind up being a home run.
Next: Canadiens Former Starting Goalie on Oilers Offseason Trade Radar
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