Latest on Evander Kane Saga in San Jose

Evander Kane is eligible to play for the San Jose Sharks at the end of the month, but by the sounds of it, the team is enjoying the positive vibes without him around and after some players asked management to move him, sure sounds like that's going to be the case.

Kevin Kurz of The Athletic has been all over this story since day one. It was reported after last season some of the Sharks leadership group in the dressing room approach management about getting rid of Kane. Then the COVID-19 vaccine card situation came out and of course all of this after his bankruptcy and divorce went public. Kurz had this to say in his latest:

Of course, Kane’s situation can’t be viewed only through the prism of what he brings on the ice. Many Sharks have emphatically stated since early in training camp that the vibe in the room is much more positive than it’s been in recent seasons. While it would be silly to suggest that’s all because Kane isn’t there, that has surely played a role after many team leaders privately expressed to management their displeasure with the way Kane flouted team rules last season.

Kane's a hell of a hockey player that does have a bad rep, there's no denying that. He's coming off the best season of his career and the Sharks will need to sweeten the pot with a draft pick or prospect if they think they are going to trade Kane and his three remaining years at $7 million per season.

Keep an eye on next week in San Jose. Kane could be asked to head down to the AHL and ride the bus for a long conditioning stint, and there could be fireworks. Or, he quietly accepts and moves on to show his Sharks teammates he wants to stay. 

Photo credit: © Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports