In an unexpected bombshell, the San Jose Sharks placed Evander Kane on unconditional waivers on Saturday afternoon — with the purpose of terminating his contract.
If Kane goes unclaimed (which will be known shortly after 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT on Sunday), the Sharks will be able to cancel the three-and-a-half years and about $24 million remaining on Kane’s deal. But that won’t be the end of the story.
Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein, wouldn’t comment, and the NHLPA indicated it was too soon to say anything, but multiple sources indicated it is “absolutely expected” the player will file a grievance to prevent the termination.
That leads to another question: If Kane does grieve, will he be able to play for another NHL team while that process plays through? There will be plenty of interest in him as an unrestricted free agent, but the answer to that question looms over any future employment.
Kane was suspended the first 21 games of this season for COVID protocol violations — the use of a fake vaccination card. Once eligible to return, he joined the team’s AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracudas, where he had eight points in five games.
He tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 21. In a statement, the Sharks said Kane was terminated for “breach of his Standard Player Contract” and “violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols.” According to several sources, there is a dispute over a flight Kane took while in the isolation period (including whether or not he had permission to do it) and his return date to the team.
Barring some kind of settlement, the arbitrator would rule on these issues.
Kane had eight points in five games with San Jose Barracuda in the AHL before being placed in the AHL’s COVID-19 protocols on Dec. 22.
The 30-year-old Kane had 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points in 56 games last season for the Sharks. Kane also has played for the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise and Buffalo since being drafted by the Thrashers fourth overall in 2009.
Kane has 264 goals and 242 assists for 506 points in 769 career games.
–with files from The Associated Press
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