The Edmonton Oilers have acquired NHL forward Evander Kane from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The deal allows the Oilers to retain Kane’s $5.1 million salary cap hit, while freeing up significant space for future roster moves.
However, Kane’s presence comes with concerns about his defensive play and disciplinary issues. His 21-game playoff stint saw him take seven minor penalties in the Stanley Cup Final alone, which may have contributed to the Oilers’ downfall.
Despite these red flags, Kane’s scoring potential remains a significant asset for Edmonton. He scored six goals and 12 points in 21 playoff games, including 11 of those points at five-on-five. However, his market value is closer to $3.7 million, making it essential for the Oilers to manage their cap space effectively.
The trade highlights the challenges facing Edmonton’s management team as they navigate Kane’s contract situation and other rising costs. With Leon Draisaitl’s extension kicking in on July 1 and Connor McDavid set to be up for a new deal in the 2025-26 season, Edmonton must balance their desire for improvement with the need to manage their salary cap.
The Canucks, meanwhile, have addressed their scoring depth needs but may have given up too much cap space to secure Kane. Their trade is a reminder that every cent matters in a growing cap world, and teams must be cautious when making deals.
The trade’s impact will be assessed as Edmonton’s management team moves forward with the 2024-25 season and the looming contract extensions for key players.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6450879/2025/06/25/evander-kane-trade-grades-oilers-canucks-nhl