Evander Kane agreed to a four-year, $20.5 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $5.125 million.
Kane announced the contract on his Twitter account late Tuesday, saying “I’m back.”
“Throughout the last 12 months there have been lots of road blocks, tons of adversity and and many tough days,” Kane wrote. “I’m grateful for the tremendous amount of support from family, friends, teammates and others who have helped me stay strong through those difficult times.”
The 30-year-old forward had 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists) in 43 regular-season games for the Oilers last season and 17 points (13 goals, four assists) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Kane signed with Edmonton as a free agent Jan. 27, after his contract was terminated by the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 9. He did not play for the Sharks last season after being suspended by the NHL for 21 games on Oct. 18 for violating NHL COVID-19 protocol.
Kane was the subject of two investigations prior to his suspension. The NHL announced Oct. 18 allegations of domestic abuse by Kane’s estranged wife, Anna, could not be substantiated after announcing Sept. 22 it found no evidence to support allegations that he gambled on NHL games or tried to negatively impact Sharks games.
“I want to thank the Edmonton Oilers for giving me the opportunity to REMIND people who I am as players and a person,” he wrote. “I also want to thank my girlfriend Maria, she has been my rock through these past 12 months and I’m grateful to have her by my side.”
Kane tied with Nathan MacKinnon of the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche for most goals in the postseason. The Oilers reached the Western Conference Final, where they were swept from the best-of-7 series by the Avalanche.
“A big part of my decision to stay in Edmonton was becuase of the opporunity given to me only seven months ago but also the chance to be apart of a championship team,” Kane wrote. “I want to win, and I believe after signing this deal we will be able to add the right pieces along with myself to accopmplish that goal, a championship.
“See you in the fall.”
Selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the first round (No. 4) of the 2009 NHL Draft, Kane has 545 points (286 goals, 259 assists) in 812 regular-season games for the Oilers, Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Thrashers and 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists) in 43 playoff games.
You must be logged in to post a comment.