EDMONTON — Evander Kane`s tenure with the Edmonton Oilers has come to an end, transferring to Vancouver. His departure provides the Oilers with significant salary cap relief – the full $5.125 million average annual value (AAV) of his contract is cleared with no salary retained. This freed-up money is essential for funding future contracts for core players such as Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Trent Frederic, and potentially acquiring a new goaltender.
This trade marks the initial step in General Manager Stan Bowman`s strategy to offload salary during this crucial offseason. Bowman has revisited a trade partnership from last year, sending Kane to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, mirroring the return for Vasily Podkolzin a year prior.
Bowman has indicated this move is the first of several planned transactions for the summer. The next expected steps include moving Viktor Arvidsson`s $4 million contract, followed by signing Trent Frederic to a deal projected to be around $3.75 million, securing Evan Bouchard`s next contract, and ultimately, the most critical signing: extending Connor McDavid.
However, before delving further into Bowman`s complete offseason plan, which aims to considerably improve the goaltending situation, it`s worth reflecting on Kane`s time in Edmonton. He was acquired amidst considerable controversy but largely managed to shift that narrative during his three and a half seasons with the team.
Tristan Blackwood