NHL: No Need To Make Excuses For Evander Kane
Where do you even start when talking about Evander Kane? If there was any pro athlete that’s had a more disastrous year than him, I’d love to hear about it (Trevor Bauer comes to mind, but I digress). This wasn’t any fault but Kane’s own. He made the bed he’s laying in. In my more than humble opinion, and that of just about any other NHL fan, this isn’t something he’s going to recover from
Pro athletes are people just like the rest of us. However, when you’re under that spotlight and scrutiny of being a pro athlete, you need to hold yourself to a higher standard. Kane, who was suspected of betting on NHL games this off-season, probably didn’t hold himself to that standard. Add on top of the gambling accusations, Kane was suspended 21 games for violating league-wide Covid protocols. This wasn’t just some close random anti-vax, non-socially distanced move many would assume. Kane used a fake Covid-19 Vaccination card.
You need to be some other kind of stupid to think what he’s done this off-season would get him any sympathy from the league offices. Don’t forget, this is also a player who, up until a week ago, had domestic violence charges hanging over him.
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The issue we are facing regarding Kane, who is not on the level of a Crosby or McDavid, is whether or not San Jose wants to bring a player back onto their roster who really makes little difference with this much baggage? I guess, if we are all being honest once again, does any team in the NHL want him?
There wasn’t one NHL fan who didn’t think Evander Kane was destined to be a special talent. Taken with the 4th pick in 2004, Kane was looked at being the Atlanta Thrashers centerpiece as the team moved to Winnipeg. He was thought of as the guy who would be the face of the franchise, bringing the fans back with amazingly gifted talent to behold on a nightly basis.
For all intents and purposes, Kane wasn’t bad. I don’t think he really looked like that franchise-altering guy. Kane’s 3rd season was his best, scoring 30 goals and 27 assists, but outside of the 2018-19 season in San Jose, Kane hasn’t managed to score 30 goals in a season (We won’t even mention the Buffalo years).
Looking at his play in San Jose, has he really made that much of a difference? Yeah, as mentioned before he had one 30-goal season, but, in 4 years with the Sharks, he’s a -10 on the ice. His biggest contribution has been sitting in the penalty box on a nightly basis. All he was to San Jose (and still is) is a goon with a somewhat higher scoring upside. Given Kane’s baggage, I’d imagine San Jose would love to take back the 7-year, $149 million contract they signed him to.
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The Sharks have looked great in Kane’s absence. With the emergence of Timo Meier, and the play of rookie, Jon Dahlen, paired with the always-consistent play of Captain Logan, San Jose has a very formidable top-line. You could make the case that Hertl does need some help on the 2nd line, as Balcers, Cogliano, LaBanc, are all marginal at best, however, is it worth the headache of having Kane back?
Kane is a ticking time bomb waiting to unveil his next big showcase of stupidity. Just give Eklund and Weatherby the time they need in the top-6. This isn’t a Sharks team that’s making the Stanley Cup. And if that is something that looks like a possibility, use the deadline to get 2nd line depth. However, I think these rookies will be making noise by then.
You want to get the Kane deal off the books. His baggage and mental state aren’t good for the team. His potential isn’t worth the headache. Free up money, make a move to bolster your 2nd and 3rd line, assuming you don’t stick with the rookies, and then go bonkers in the off-season.
There aren’t going to be many teams knocking on Kane’s door with offers if he is indeed let go by San Jose. You might want to have a tough and gritty scorer on your lines for depth, but as far as team morale goes, nobody is dealing with it.
As a Sharks fan, executive, teammate, I’m saying Good riddance to Evander Kane. Don’t let the doors at the SAP Center hit you on the way out.
Image Source: CBS Sports
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
