Kane re-signs with Oilers on 4-year, $20.5M deal

The Edmonton Oilers and pending unrestricted free agent Evander Kane agreed on a four-year deal with an average annual value of $5.125 million, the veteran forward announced late Tuesday.

Kane's announcement comes hours before the NHL's free agency period is set to open. The agreement keeps the 30-year-old winger in Edmonton after the team brought him in on a one-year deal in January following his release from the San Jose Sharks.

"Throughout the last 12 months, there have been lots of roadblocks, tons of adversity, and many tough days," Kane's statement read. "I'm grateful for the tremendous amount of support from family, friends, teammates, and others who have helped me stay strong through those difficult times."

Kane was suspended by the NHL in October 2021 for the first 21 games of the season for a violation of the league's COVID-19 rules and protocols. At the completion of his suspension, Kane was placed on waivers by the Sharks and reassigned to the AHL before his contract was terminated for a violation of AHL mandates.

The Oilers signed Kane on Jan. 27, and he made his debut for the team two days later, immediately becoming a key contributor. Kane recorded 22 goals and 17 assists in 43 regular-season outings for the Oilers and bagged his first-ever playoff hat trick in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. Kane scored 14 goals with three assists as part of the Oilers' run to the Western Conference Final.

"I want to thank the Edmonton Oilers for giving me an opportunity to REMIND people who I am as a player and a person," Kane's statement continued.

He added, "A big part of my decision to stay in Edmonton was because of the opportunity given to me only seven months ago but also the chance to be a part of a championship team."

Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.