Which Eastern Conference Club is Interested in Evander Kane?

Evander Kane's 21-game suspension for violating NHL COVID protocols ends on Nov. 30 and there's many questions as to what'll happen next for him. Some reports suggest a team out east might have interest in the winger.

Evander Kane's 21-game suspension for violating NHL COVID protocols ends on Nov. 30. He seems almost untradeable with his off-ice problems and $7 million annual cap hit. Nevertheless, the New York Post's Larry Brooks reports an Eastern Conference club shows considerable interest in the San Jose Sharks winger.

The Sharks are reportedly willing to absorb a portion of Kane's salary, perhaps as much as half, to facilitate a trade. Brooks felt the 30-year-old winger's offensive skills would make him a good addition among most teams' top-six forwards. However, Kane's personal baggage would make him a difficult fit in the dressing room and a potential PR problem.

Brooks didn't identify the Eastern Conference club other than claiming it wasn't the New York Rangers. San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng made some educated guesses over potential destinations for Kane.

One of them could be the Carolina Hurricanes. Peng cited an NHL executive saying team owner Tom Dundon isn't concerned about taking on some bad apples, though they only added one “bad apple” in Tony DeAngelo. Despite the defenseman's previous disciplinary issues, he's settled in well with the Hurricanes under coach Rod Brind'Amour.

Peng also proposed teams with a strong winning culture like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. They carry veteran leadership Kane would respect. Peng also suggested reuniting Kane with Joe Thornton on the Florida Panthers. They reportedly have a good relationship stretching back to Thornton's final two seasons with the Sharks.

Kane's offensive skills could be a worthwhile addition to those clubs. Whether that's enough to tempt any of them into taking a chance on him remains to be seen.