Evander Kane's may be wearing out his welcome with the Edmonton Oilers.
Evander Kane's may be wearing out his welcome with the Edmonton Oilers.
EDMONTON -- You can never have too many power forwards in the playoffs.
If asked directly, general managers across the NHL would probably say something similar to the sentence above. That might be why Evander Kane has grown such a long leash with the Edmonton Oilers coaching staff and management.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDoj5wyzvM[/embed]
While the media - along with the general public - may not know what exactly is transpiring behind closed doors, one thing is certain. Kane hasn't been the same since the first 21 games of the season.
Regardless of what is happening outside of the public eye, I see only two possible ways this drama with Kane plays out - should things continue on their current trajectory.
Kane Completely Wears Out His Welcome
If things continue on their present path, the obvious conclusion is a dramatic end. The Oilers will arrive at this end result if Kane cannot resolve his own issues.
If he doesn't agree with the coaches, perhaps he needs to voice his disagreement. By getting his feelings out in the open he can begin to move past them and do what's best for the team's success.
I believe a buyout would be waiting for Kane at the end of the season should things continue to get worse. If Kane can't put his hubris aside - this is what has to happen.
Relationships Are Mended.. But it's Too little, Too late
This is obviously the better choice. If Kane can look past what he wants and do the best thing for the Oilers success this season - it will send a message to everyone that he is truly a team player. Even if this only lasts until the end of a playoff run, that's plenty of time.
But maybe things get better and then Kane decide that he'd rather play elsewhere. If that ends up being the case, he could request a trade and give Ken Holland a couple teams he has interest in playing for.
Either way, Kane is in the middle of drama - yet again.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQZAUUmBVO0[/embed]
Subscribe to Inside the Locker Room for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.
Related: Oilers Achieve Feat Not Seen Since 80's
Related: 'I Guess So': Evander Kane Doesn't Extinguish Swirling Rumors
Related: Oilers Superstar Ready For Blue Jays Opener
Related: Former Oilers Forward Gaining Momentum