What's Next for Evander Kane? Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTg2NTU4ODA4OTMwMTMzODUz/usatsi_16046103.jpg] The Evander Kane saga in San Jose has finally reached its end. The Sharks officially placed the embattled winger on unconditional waivers Saturday afternoon for the purpose of terminating his contract. In the event Kane passes through unclaimed, which he undoubtedly will, the 30-year-old will officially become a free agent, therein clearing $23 million from the Sharks' cap. According to a statement from the Sharks, Kane is reportedly being released due to a breach of his standard player contract for violating the AHL's COVID-19 protocols. Earlier this season, Kane also served a 21-game suspension that was handed down by the NHL this time for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols despite the Sharks asking him to not participate in training camp. Upon the conclusion of his suspension, Kane was placed on waivers by the Sharks and was ultimately sent to the team's AHL affiliate upon clearing, where he then proceeded to violate health and safety protocols once again. Kane suited up for five games with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, registering two goals and six assists for eight points. Being effectively released by his team is the fate that many predicted would befall Kane amid his numerous off-ice transgressions. Kane has been the subject of numerous lawsuits in past years, with recent examples being lender Professional Bank suing Kane in May of 2021 for $15 million for allegedly defrauding the company while securing a $1.5 million loan, and a woman suing Kane for allegedly backing out of an abortion-for-pay agreement back in 2018, among others. Now, Kane will hit the open market, although it's unlikely that he finds another NHL chance awaiting him, at least for the time being. Of note for Kane is that his release paves a far easier path to him suiting up for Canada at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, with his free-agent status making him one of the top available forwards eligible to participate in the Games following the NHL withdrawing its participation back in December.
