Kane handed lengthy suspension
MONTREAL » The NHL dropped the hammer on Evander Kane, suspending the San Jose Sharks forward for 21 games without pay on Monday for an established violation of — and lack of compliance with — the NHL/ NHLPA COVID-19 Protocol.
Kane will not be eligible to play prior to the Sharks’ Nov. 30 game in New Jersey against the Devils.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the forfeited pay goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Another investigation by the NHL into allegations of domestic abuse made against Kane by his estranged wife, Deanna, could not be substantiated, the league said.
The NHL said it would not offer any further comment.
In a statement made through the NHL Players’ Association, Kane apologized to his Sharks teammates and the organization, “and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future.
“When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”
Section 18-A of the league’s and the NHL Players’ Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement deals with off-ice conduct.
The section says whenever NHL commissioner Gary Bettman determines a player has violated an off-ice league rule or has been or is guilty of conduct “that is detrimental to or against the welfare of the League or the game of hockey,” he may discipline the player in a number of ways.
That includes expelling or suspending the player for a definite or indefinite period, canceling that player’s contract, or imposing a fine.
Kane stayed away from the Sharks throughout training camp and now into the regular season as the NHL proceeded with two investigations into the forward’s past behavior, including one centered around the possible use of a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.
Another investigation was related to accusations made by his estranged wife when she filed for a restraining order last month.
Deanna Kane at the time leveled accusations of domestic violence and sexual assault against the Sharks player in a restraining order application filed in Santa Clara County Family Court. In August, Evander Kane was granted, in part, a temporary restraining order against Anna after he alleged that she had been violent with him.