“I’m back” – Evander Kane signs four-year, $20.5 million contract to stay with Edmonton Oilers
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Evander Kane
Canadian ice hockey winger Evander Kane signed a four-year, $20.5 million contract (average annual value of $5.125 million) with the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. The 30-year-old forward, who joined the Oilers last season, had 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists) in 43 regular-season games and 17 points (13 goals, four assists) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Notably, the Vancouver native Kane did not play for the San Diego Jose Sharks last season after being suspended by the NHL for 21 games on October 18 for violating COVID-19 protocols. He was the earlier subject of two investigations prior to his suspension, including the allegations of domestic abuse by Kane’s estranged wife, Anna.
“Throughout the last 12 months there have been lots of roadblocks, tons of adversity and many tough days,” Kane wrote, as quoted by NHL.com. “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.”
“Everybody in the locker room wanted Evander back”
Selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the first round (No. 4) of the 2009 NHL Draft, the 30-year-old Kane has 545 points (286 goals, 259 assists) in 812 regular-season games apart from 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists) in 43 playoff games for the Oilers, Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Jets and Thrashers.
“We’ve had four or five months with him and he fits in really well,” Oilers general manager Ken Holland said. “At the end of the year when I went through the exit interviews with the players, to a man, everybody in that locker room wanted him back and they made that very clear to me. They felt we were a much better team with Evander on our team.
“I’m comfortable with the four (years). He was on pace for 40-45 goals with us. He brings an edge to his game, some personality, some physicality, so it’s not only the ability to score goals, but it’s also the other dimensions he brings to our team are also very valuable.”
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