Sharks' Kane wants NHL to show more personality

Evander Kane is hoping the NHL and his fellow players do a better job of showcasing what makes them special when the league gets back up and running.

"It's part of hockey culture to shy away from a lot of things," the San Jose Sharks forward told TSN's Mark Masters on Friday. "The more we embrace uniqueness and people's differences and use it to our advantage, the greater our league is going to be."

Kane, who's long been one of the league's most outspoken players, emphasized how important exposure is to furthering the game.

"I wouldn't say there's a ton of guys lined up willing to do their own reality TV show or wanting to be in front of the camera at all times, so that's on us as players to want to embrace that side of the game a bit more and help the sport grow a bit more, especially when it comes to the United States," he said.

"People need to see our faces," he added. "People need to know who we are because, as biased as I may be, I think hockey's the greatest sport by far on Earth and we don't get enough credit as players and our league doesn't get enough respect for what we do."

Kane has rarely shied away from the public eye. He criticized the NHL Department of Player Safety following a suspension in February and called a linesman's actions "an absolute joke" after the league suspended him in September.

The veteran winger also continues to take part in an ongoing feud with Vegas Golden Knights grinder Ryan Reaves, saying earlier this week that he enjoys it and that the rivalry makes things "entertaining for fans."

Kane posed nude for ESPN's Body Issue last year and has also called out racism directed toward him on Instagram.

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