Bringing Back Evander Kane Is a No-Brainer for the Oilers
Evander Kane has always been one of those players who come with a warning label attached. Earlier in his career, there were questions about his maturity and consistency, and about whether the baggage outweighed his talent. Fair enough. Some of those concerns were legitimate.
Related: What the Canucks Got Wrong About Podkolzin's Development.
Kane has changed his behaviour, and that matters to teams.
But the thing is that we're not talking about the Evander Kane of ten years ago. We're talking about a 34-year-old veteran who has spent the past several seasons showing he can still contribute, still score, and still be the kind of player teammates want in their corner. He may not be the dominant power forward he once was, but there's still plenty left in the tank.
That's why I keep coming back to the same conclusion. If the Edmonton Oilers can bring Kane back on a contract somewhere around $1.5 million to $1.75 million, it feels like a no-brainer.
The Oilers need exactly what Kane can bring.
The Oilers will need inexpensive secondary scoring this summer. That's just the reality of life under the salary cap. Kane won't score 40 goals anymore, but he can still provide 15 to 20 goals, physical play, playoff experience, and a willingness to stick up for teammates. Those things have value, especially when you're trying to win in the spring.
Over the past few years, Kane seems to have settled into a different phase of his career. The drama that once followed him around isn't nearly as noticeable. Instead, he's become more of a hockey story than a headline story. That's a positive development for both him and any team considering signing him.
The Oilers know exactly what they're getting. They know how he fits in the room.
The Oilers know exactly what they're getting. They know how he fits in the room. They know how he fits in the lineup. They know he can skate, play a physical game, and contribute offensively when put in the right role. Most importantly, they know he won't be asked to carry the team.
That's where Kane becomes especially attractive. On a cheap contract, expectations are different. If he scores 18 goals and makes life miserable for opposing defensemen, that's a win. If he chips in some secondary offence and helps create space for Edmonton's stars, that's a win too.
Not every free-agent signing has to be complicated. Sometimes the best moves are the obvious ones. For me, this is one of them.
The Bottom Line: This Feels Like an Easy Decision.
The Oilers need affordable depth scoring. Kane wants to keep playing. The fit is already proven. At the right price, bringing him back feels less like a gamble and more like common sense.