Forward Evander Kane is just the most polarizing and interesting free agent on the market this off-season. The 30-year-old forward has had his fair share of controversies off the ice during his career, including a pending arbitration hearing that could return him to the San Jose Sharks after the team terminated his contract during the season 2021-22. However, Kane was still spectacular on the ice after signing a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers for the rest of the season, scoring 39 points in 43 regular-season games and leading the NHL in scoring during the playoffs with 13 goals in just 15. games.
However, reports earlier this week appeared that Kane and the Oilers were not close to an overtime. Today, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period adds that today there have been no talks between Kane’s camp and the Oilers, increasing the likelihood that Kane will hit the open market tomorrow. It doesn’t limit Edmonton’s ability to re-sign him and frankly remains the most likely destination for him. Kane’s risk factor only increases with the pending refereeing decision, and other teams will be hesitant to commit to Kane without having an agreement with San Jose to change him or have clarity about his future.
- Legendary coach and executive Scott Bowman will leave the Chicago Blackhawks organization this summer, according to the same man. Now 88, Bowman had been a senior advisor to the Blackhawks since 2008. A 12-time Stanley Cup winner, Bowman will likely have any job he wants if he wants to continue his managerial career in the NHL.
- Brian Burke, president of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey operations, spoke today, denying rumors that the team did not offer Evgeni Malkin his desired four-year term. He said giving a six-year extension to Rickard Rakell yesterday did not rule out Malkin’s return, and said “the window is still open” for Malkin. However, with all the different reports of Malkin’s unhappiness with the situation, his move to free agency is probably still a done deal.