Of the injury uncertainties facing the Edmonton Oilers, Mattias Ekholm is undoubtedly the biggest concern with him definitely out of the first round of the playoffs and potentially for the remainder of the season full stop. However, arguably the most intriguing absence and one who fans would love to see back on the ice, is Evander Kane.
Kane has not played for the Oilers since Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final last season, when he finally succumbed to the hernia issue which plagued him throughout the 2023-24 campaign. As tough as he is, it got to a point where his presence on the ice was detrimental to the success of the team.
The 33-year-old underwent abdominal surgery last September and ever since has been working his way back, with far too many setbacks for anyone's liking (including his own). In any event, the question remains of if and when Oilers fans will finally see him back in action for their team, because no matter what you think of him, he has been greatly missed.
Evander Kane not QUITE ready yet
Well, we got some semblance answer on Sunday, and while it was filled with some positivity, it ultimately still wasn't the one most fans were hoping for. Speaking to the media on Sunday following practice in Los Angeles, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said: "Evander Kane is not ready. Close, but not ready, so he will not play Game One."
It almost feels as if this has been the update for the last couple of months, even though it hasn't been as such. However, it just continues to be delay after delay with Kane, to the point that you may as well not believe he's going to actually play this season until he's actually on the ice during a game.
Even speaking to the polarizing winger himself doesn't really given much indication of how he is about a potential return to action. As per Sportsnet, he said: "Just going off last year ... how I felt that year and what I was able to do, that gives me confidence with how I feel now."
If nothing else at least Kane is back on the ice for practice, but the Oiler could really use him against the Kings, and not just because he is a physical player who gets under the skin of opponents. He's also extremely talented, as evidenced best by producing 17 points in 15 playoff games for the Oilers back in 2021-22, including 13 goals.
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