It’ll still be a long time before Evander Kane takes the ice for the Edmonton Oilers.
The team released more details on the injured player’s recovery process today and revealed a previously unknown ailment. He recently underwent a knee operation, which will require roughly two months to heal, and has put his healing process from other injuries, mostly to his abdominal, on hold.
“Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane underwent successful knee surgery on Thursday in Edmonton. It is expected that he will require four to eight weeks of recovery time.”
“While this procedure is unrelated to his abdominal surgery in September, it will require him to pause his current rehabilitation schedule to recover from Thursday’s operation.”
“His rehabilitation will continue to take place in Edmonton under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.”
#Oilers forward Evander Kane underwent successful knee surgery on Thursday in Edmonton & is expected to require four to eight weeks of recovery time.
Read the full statement ⤵️ https://t.co/cQcw6pGBrz
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 10, 2025
Kane hasn’t played yet this season. Back before this season started, he revealed a laundry list of injuries and operations he needed to get done.
“I’m having a lot done, both abductors on each hip, two torn lower abominable muscles done and two hernias,” Kane said. “I felt something was wrong in late October [last season]… and just kind of slowly got worse over time.”
When on the ice, the 33-year-old is an imposing power forward who brings a unique combination of strength and skill. He had 24 goals and 44 points in 77 games last year and added another four goals and eight points in 20 postseason contests.
This new injury, which causes a delay in his return date, raises the question of whether the Oilers might move Kane to long-term injury reserve. The team would have an additional $5.125 million in cap space to use if they do so, and Kane would still be able to participate in the playoffs if fully healthy by then.
The Oilers have had a successful first half of the season, so there is no reason to rush Kane back into action. They’re currently eighth in the league by points percentage.