Sharks' Boughner says Kane will play this season

San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner said Tuesday that Evander Kane will play the 2020-21 season following a report that Kane was considering skipping the campaign due to a bankruptcy filing and the birth of his child amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I don't think we're worried about a distraction," Boughner told reporters, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports. "I won't make a comment on any player's personal situation, but I am assured that he will be here for the whole season and that he's on board."

Kane reportedly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Saturday, citing debts of nearly $27 million and assets of $10.2 million. The filing claimed Kane is allowed to terminate his NHL contract and opt out of the season without pay.

The 29-year-old forward signed a seven-year, $49-million contract with the Sharks in 2018 and has earned an estimated $52.9 million to this point in his career, according to CapFriendly.

Boughner said Kane will play in San Jose's season opener against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday.

"I know there's other stuff going on, but he seems to be ready to go, and when he's at the top of his game, he's one of our best players and is a guy that we need," Boughner said. "He's a heck of a hockey player."

Kane notched 47 points in 64 games last season and has 457 points in 713 career contests. Drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, Kane spent time with the Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise and the Buffalo Sabres before joining San Jose in a trade during the 2017-18 campaign.

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