Forward Evander Kane has been nothing short of the most polarizing and interesting free agent on the market this offseason. The 30-year-old power forward has had his fair share of off-ice controversy in his career, including an upcoming arbitration hearing that could send him back to the San Jose Sharks after the team terminates his contract through the 2021-22 season. Yet Kane was still impressive on the ice after signing a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers for the rest of the season, scoring 39 points in 43 regular season games and leading the NHL in scoring during the playoffs with 13 goals in just 15 games .
Still, reports surfaced earlier this week that Kane and the Oilers were nowhere near an extension. Today, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta adds that there have been no talks between Kane’s camp and the Oilers as of today, raising the possibility that Kane will hit the open market tomorrow. That doesn’t limit Edmonton’s ability to re-sign him, and frankly, that’s still the most likely destination for him. The risk factor for Kane is only increased by the pending arbitration decision, and other teams will be hesitant to commit a term to Kane without either having a deal with San Jose to bring him back or clarity on his future.
- Legendary coach and executive Scott Bowman is moving on from the Chicago Blackhawks organization this summer, according to the man himself. Now 88, Bowman has been a senior adviser to the Blackhawks since 2008. A winner of 12 Stanley Cups, Bowman will likely have whatever job he wants if he wants to continue his NHL managerial career.
- Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke spoke out today, denying rumors that the team did not offer Evgeni Malkin the four-year tenure he wanted. He said Ricard Rakell’s six-year contract extension yesterday did not rule out Malkin’s return and said “the window is still open” for Malkin. However, with all the various reports of Malkin’s displeasure with the situation, his move in free agency is likely still a done deal.
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