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Oilers make their first groundbreaking move in Kane trade

The Edmonton Oilers traded forward Evander Kane to their division rival, the Vancouver Canucks, in what is their first of what could be a few ground-breaking moves.
ByTodd Matthews|
Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) reacts after Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (not pictured) scores a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) reacts after Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (not pictured) scores a goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images | Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers just traded forward Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks, as Sportsnet confirmed on Wednesday. Kane has been a big name with the Oilers and helped them reach a pair of Stanley Cup Finals, even if they couldn't snag the ultimate prize.

While he's an older player these days, Kane has shown he's still got a lot left in the tank, so the Vancouver Canucks could be getting a player of worth here. They're definitely getting one who knows a thing or two about winning hockey games and making deep playoff runs.

But, getting Kane also comes with that high-risk, high-reward factor. During his time with the Oilers, Kane played some incredible hockey when healthy. At the same time, he was with one of the league's winningest and most stable teams, and that may not be the case for joining the Canucks.

Evander Kane probably won't fare as well in Vancouver

While the Oilers remain stable and should stay in prime contention for 2025-26, assuming they don't look to start over - they won't - the Canucks stability's been null and void over the past calendar year. And, in calendar year, I mean dating back to 2024.

Kane's list of legal issues is also concerning, regardless of their ultimate outcomes. That would be my biggest concern for Kane as a member of the Canucks, a team that's still trying to find its way. Still, if Kane can remain on the straight and narrow, then they got a seasoned veteran who could help them out.

With the Oilers, Kane appeared in 161 games and posted 111 points to go with 62 goals, and a plus-17 rating. Those are all solid numbers, and he'd played in top-six minutes throughout, snagging an average time on ice of 17:59.

But, Kane also needed extended time off this season, missing all 82 games before joining the Oilers in their latest playoff push. And Kane didn't look bad, posting 12 points and six goals across 21 games. Maybe he'll bring some of that offensive productivity to a Canucks team that's going to need it.

Kane signed off with a heartfelt message to the Oilers and their fans

Kane looks like he's taking the positive route following the trade and looks forward to going home to Vancouver, a place where his hockey career took off. This could be the final chapter in what's been a volatile, up-and-down career for Kane, but he's been more than grateful for his time with the Oilers. Here's what he had to say:

So, we'll see what Kane can do in Vancouver. And since he's going to a division rival, Kane will be facing the Oilers quite a bit should he stick around British Columbia for a few more years. Or, if he could stay in British Columbia, period, since it could be the last leg of his pro hockey journey.

The overall instability in Vancouver is concerning, but Kane has still shown that, when he's healthy enough to suit up, he can be a valuable player.

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