According to a recent update from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Edmonton Oilers are expecting to receive a critical injury update for Evander Kane on March 1st.
Evander Kane has missed the Oilers' entire season so far with multiple surgeries for multiple injuries, making his return timeline previously impossible to predict.
Edmonton Oilers will receive critical Evander Kane update this week
On today's edition of the Daily Faceoff Live Show, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported the Oilers will receive an update on or around March 1st that will confirm Evander Kane's status for the rest of the year.
I taped the Frankly Speaking episode with Stan Bowman on Friday that'll drop on Wednesday, and he said point blank that they don't need to add a goalie. And beyond that, they're hoping they can get an answer on Evander Kanes' health by March 1st to be able to make the appropriate decisions by next Friday.- Frank Seravalli
The update for Evander Kane will determine the entire state of the Oilers trade deadline this season, as his $5.125M contract will affect what players the Oilers could add.
Simply put, if Kane returns before the playoffs, any trade the Oilers make will need to be dollar-in, dollar-out. They'll be strapped against the cap. If Kane is out for the whole regular season, the Oilers could spend his $5.125M in trades.
Kane himself shared pictures of him beginning to skate in Rogers Place a few weeks ago. Through the entire season, Kane has been adamant about making a return.
According to the most recent update from Jason Gregor, Kane is skating at nearly 60%. That's a very encouraging number for his recovery, which could indicate he will be back before the playoffs - and the Oilers will be cap strapped at the deadline.
Evander Kane has started skating. He has skated the past two days and around 60% pace, as he will need time to get back up to speed.
The Oilers still have multiple avenues to clear salary cap space to make an impact trade if Kane returns, but it will cost them moving out a current roster player.
Within the next few days, the Oilers will receive the update that will finally allow them to take their action for the trade deadline. Hopefully, Stan Bowman and Oilers management is prepared for all scenarios.
