3 reasons Evander Kane could be key for the Oilers at the trade deadline

2) Declining productivity

When the Oilers took a chance on Kane back at the beginning of 2022, there were plenty of critics and with good reason. There was also a lot of concern about how a player who had worn out his welcome with three teams, would fit in in Edmonton.

However, also immediately the Vancouver native proved to be an excellent addition to the Oilers lineup. Of course it helps when you're getting to play alongside Connor McDavid, but his talent was on full display.

Kane excelled with 39 points in 43 games, while also setting career highs with a 14.5 percent shooting percentage and +25 rating. This form carried over to the playoffs with 17 points in 15 games, including his first two postseason hat-tricks, versus the Kings and Flames.

This form earned the winger a new deal and he started off the 2022-23 campaign better than ever, with 13 points in 14 games. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, he suffered a wrist injury which essentially caused him to miss half of the regular season.

When Kane finally came back he just wasn't the same as before, highlighted by managing only a further 15 points in 27 games. It was no different in the playoffs, with just five points in 12 games.

There was a theory that perhaps the former Winnipeg Jet had just returned to soon and wasn't entirely recovered from his surgery. In addition, that maybe the offseason would help in this respect.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned this hasn't been the case, with Kane's points-per-game production at its worst rate since he arrived in Edmonton. He's just been too inconsistent and his average time on ice is projected to be the worst since his rookie season in 2009-10, which ties into our third point.