Sharks’ Kane likely to head to minors
Embattled Sharks forward Evander Kane is expected to clear NHL waivers Monday and start practicing with the American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda on Tuesday.
Kane’s 21-game suspension for falsifying vaccination records ended at the conclusion of San Jose’s 2-0 victory at Chicago on Sunday. No other NHL team is expected to put in a claim for Kane, who has $26 million left on an extension signed with San Jose in May 2018.
“We looked at all options that we had since the suspension started,” said Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will. “At this time, since he’s a contracted hockey player, it’s the best thing for him to play hockey. And the best option for that is the Barracuda.”
Suspended Oct. 18 for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocol, Kane, 30, is believed to now be fully vaccinated and is expected to accept an assignment to San Jose’s top minor-league affiliate.
“He doesn’t need to agree, this is the team’s prerogative 100% to assign,” said Will, who is assuming Doug Wilson’s role while the GM is on a temporary medical leave. “I expect he will be there on Tuesday. … I’ve heard nothing to the contrary.”
Will said there’s no timeline for how long Kane might practice and play with the Barracuda before management considers promoting him.
“We’re going to see how things go,” Will said. “He’s assigned there until he’s not assigned there.”
Will was asked about possible conduct concerns with Kane and whether that might affect his minor-league teammates. During last season’s exit interviews, Kane was reportedly the subject of Sharks teammates’ frustrations.
“There’s very strong leadership with the Barracuda,” said Will, singling out longtime coach Roy Sommer. “Roy knows Evander, and knows the entire organization after having been an associate coach a couple years ago.
“I trust the environment. Conduct is something we expect.”
Will left the door open for a trade if Kane wants one.
“If he wants to look at something, he certainly can bring that up to us,” Will said. “We’re looking at all options and not committed to any.”
Kane led the Sharks in scoring last season with 22 goals and 47 points. He has played for AtlantaWinnipeg, Buffalo and San Jose during a 12-year career. The Sharks get salary cap relief as long as Kane is assigned to the minors.
Kane has numerous pending off-ice issues, including litigation for custody of a young daughter, allegations of domestic abuse in a divorce filing, bankruptcy litigation and his continued attention to an admitted gambling addiction.