3 Contracts holding the Edmonton Oilers back right now
By Almar Reyes
1) Evander Kane
When the Edmonton Oilers decided to take a chance on Evander Kane a few years ago, after his release from the San Jose Sharks, it turned out to be a savvy move. Kane brought a mix of physicality, and scoring that benefited the Oilers immensely. His addition helped bolster the team’s offense, and his on-ice presence gave the Oilers an edge they had been lacking in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Kane fit seamlessly alongside McDavid and Draisaitl, contributing key goals and playing a hard-nosed style that made him a fan favorite in Edmonton.
After his initial success, the Oilers re-signed Kane to a four-year deal with an annual average value (AAV) of $5.125 million. While this seemed like a fair contract at the time, Kane's recent injury history has raised concerns. Last season, Kane’s absence, particularly during the Oilers' playoff run, proved costly. Injuries have limited his availability, and without him in the lineup, Edmonton struggled to maintain the same level of physicality and scoring depth, making it harder for the team to compete at their highest potential.
When healthy, Kane is a game-changer. His ability to finish plays and score critical goals, combined with his aggressive forechecking and willingness to play a gritty, physical game, makes him a key piece of the Oilers' puzzle. However, if Kane continues to battle injuries, Edmonton could find themselves in a difficult position. The Oilers are tight against the salary cap, and unless they can place Kane on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to create some financial flexibility, they will be unable to add the necessary depth to support their playoff ambitions.
For the Oilers to maximize their chances at a deep playoff run, they need Kane healthy and contributing. If not, his contract could become a cap headache that hampers the team’s ability to make crucial roster moves down the stretch.