Michael Traikos, Katie Gaus and Ryan Kennedy discuss some potential trade candidates ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season. Evander Kane [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4MTk5NjQyOTQzMzMzODI5/usatsi_23418166_168400847_lowres.jpg] Evander Kane Ryan Kennedy recently mentioned Evander Kane as a possible trade candidate when talking about players to watch in the NHL this season. It's an interesting theory that the Edmonton Oilers might want to move on from Kane's cap hit, but I'm sure they do. Kennedy rightfully pointed out that if a trade goes down, it won't be anytime soon. Kane had multiple surgeries this off-season and will be out for 5-6 months. For the sake of accruing cap space, the Oilers aren't likely to move him to LTIR, but in a pinch, they could if they need to. Should his recovery drag into late February or March, Edmonton may move him to LTIR near the deadline, use the money accrued to trade for someone else and then bring Kane back in the postseason. It's a complicated process [https://nhltradetalk.com/best-way-oilers-manage-kane-injury-salary-cap/], but it's one the Oilers are considering. But, what about a trade? Is that really an option? DON'T EXPECT TO SEE EVANDER KANE GET TRADED THIS SEASON Kane won't be going anywhere while injured. Further to that, the Oilers could be keen to get him back when he's 100 percent and good to go. Kane is an effective player, who in many ways is like a unicorn in the NHL. There aren't many who bring the combination of skills he does: physicality, scoring punch and on-ice tenacity. He's already proven how effective he can be [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/evander-kane-reminds-oilers-of-his-worth-with-eventful-game-3-vs-kings/] in the playoffs. When he wasn't available in the Final last season versus Florida, it changed things. A healthy Kane is a player the Oilers want. Edmonton will be a team that does its best not to get pushed around while Kane is out. They have Corey Perry, but he's older. They added Josh Brown, but he's not an NHL regular. Darnell Nurse can do it, but the Oilers don't really want him to. Kane is the guy who often takes on and embraces the role of disturber. It's something he's good at and likely doesn't get enough credit for. As for what happens when the season ends, much of that will depend on where the Oilers finish. If they get close or win the Stanley Cup, Kane may have played a role in that and both parties will want the relationship to continue. If they bow out early, there might be changes. One thing to remember in all of this is that Kane has a full no-move clause as part of his contract. If he doesn't want to go anywhere – and he's grown quite comfortable in Edmonton and invested in the community – he can stop any trade talk in its tracks.
