Evander Kane and the Edmonton Chapter That Changed Everything
When the Edmonton Oilers signed Evander Kane in January 2022, it wasn’t just another roster move-it was a calculated gamble with high-stakes upside. Kane arrived with a résumé that included elite production and a reputation that came with baggage.
But for a team chasing a Stanley Cup and searching for an edge, the risk made sense. What followed was a run that left a lasting imprint on both player and franchise.
A Career at a Crossroads
By the time Kane hit the waiver wire after parting ways with the San Jose Sharks, many wondered if his NHL career had reached its final chapter. But the Oilers saw something others didn’t-or at least, something they were willing to bet on.
Edmonton needed scoring on the wings, and Kane needed a fresh start. The match was as much about timing as it was about fit.
Let’s not forget: Kane wasn’t some fringe player looking for one last shot. He was a former fourth-overall pick who had already carved out a legitimate NHL career. He’d flashed his potential early in Atlanta, became a centerpiece in Winnipeg, and then found another gear in San Jose, where he posted back-to-back 30-goal paces and helped the Sharks reach the 2019 Western Conference Final.
His game had always been built on speed, power, and edge. He played heavy, finished checks, and scored in bunches.
He was the kind of winger who could tilt the ice and get under your skin doing it. But his off-ice story had always been more complicated.
That’s what made the Oilers move so intriguing-it was a high-reward play on a player who could either elevate the team or flame out.
Making an Instant Impact
Kane didn’t waste any time proving he belonged. He scored in his very first game with the Oilers and quickly found chemistry with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
In just 44 regular season games, he put up 22 goals. But it wasn’t just the numbers-Kane brought a physical presence and a swagger that had been missing from Edmonton’s top six.
He could skate with the stars, finish chances, and make life miserable for opponents. In a league that’s constantly trending toward finesse, Kane felt like a throwback to the days of the true power forward.
And then came the playoffs.
The 2022 Playoff Run: Kane’s Signature Moment
If there’s one stretch that defines Kane’s time in Edmonton, it’s the 2022 playoffs. The Oilers entered the postseason with something to prove.
After back-to-back early exits, the pressure was on. Kane responded with a postseason performance that turned heads and helped shift the narrative around the team.
He lit up the Kings in the first round, scoring seven goals-including a Game 6 empty-netter that led to the now-iconic image of Kane holding up seven fingers to the L.A. crowd. That moment wasn’t just showmanship-it was a statement.
The Oilers were no longer content to be a team with talent but no bite. Kane gave them both.
He finished that playoff run with 13 goals in 15 games, helping lead Edmonton to the Western Conference Final before they ran into the eventual champion Colorado Avalanche. Even in defeat, the Oilers looked like a team on the rise-and Kane was a big reason why.
Injuries and the End of the Edmonton Era
But as electric as that run was, the rest of Kane’s time in Edmonton was defined as much by injuries as it was by impact. A gruesome wrist laceration in 2022-23 derailed his season, and while he returned for the playoffs, he wasn’t the same player. Then came the 2024-25 campaign, which Kane missed entirely while recovering from the wear and tear of the previous postseason grind.
He returned for the 2025 playoffs and chipped in 12 points over 21 games, showing flashes of his old self. But it was clear the physical toll had taken its effect. With a $5.125 million cap hit and a reduced role, the Oilers made the tough call to trade him to his hometown Vancouver Canucks in the summer of 2025 to free up space.
A Legacy That Lasts
Even with the injuries and the eventual trade, Kane’s impact in Edmonton is undeniable. He finished with the 11th-most playoff goals in franchise history-a remarkable feat considering the legends who’ve worn the jersey. More than that, he helped usher in a new era of Oilers hockey, one that finally felt like it had the grit and edge to match its skill.
He didn’t just score big goals-he scored meaningful ones. He brought attitude, physicality, and a playoff gear that few others could match. For a team that had long been searching for the right mix around McDavid and Draisaitl, Kane gave them a new identity.
Off the Ice: A Different Side of Kane
While much of the focus has always been on Kane’s on-ice persona, his time in Edmonton also revealed a different dimension. There were no headline-making controversies.
Instead, we heard about his relationship with 10-year-old cancer fighter Cecily Eklund and their trip to Disneyland in support of the Ben Stelter Fund. We saw Kane show up for a local beer league game under the tongue-in-cheek pseudonym “Fa Afo.”
The edge was still there, but it came with a sense of humor and a clear connection to the community.
The Final Word
Evander Kane’s time in Edmonton wasn’t without its ups and downs, but it was never boring-and it absolutely mattered. He arrived at a moment when the Oilers needed more than just talent.
They needed a spark, a presence, a player who could stir the pot and back it up on the scoreboard. Kane did all of that and more.
In a decade defined by the Oilers’ push to reclaim their place among the NHL’s elite, Kane was a crucial part of the climb. And while his chapter in Edmonton has closed, it’s one that’ll be remembered for the goals, the grit, and the edge he brought to a team that needed all three.