LOS ANGELES — Evander Kane always maintained his belief that he would skate in another NHL game.
That opportunity arrives on Wednesday.
The formidable 33-year-old forward is slated to rejoin the Edmonton Oilers` lineup for Game 2 of their opening-round playoff clash against the L.A. Kings.
Kane`s last appearance on the ice was on June 10 of the previous year, when Edmonton fell 4-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
After a ten-month layoff, the forward described his current health status as a dramatic improvement, akin to “night and day.”
Speaking after the Oilers` morning skate on Wednesday, Kane commented, “I was always very confident that I`d be back playing. Obviously, I wasn`t certain about the exact timing. But I`m eagerly anticipating tonight.”
Over the past year, Kane underwent several surgical procedures to address injuries, including both abductor muscles, two hernias, two abdominal tears, and a knee injury.
His journey back to game readiness has been an extensive one.
“I was prepared for, clearly, missing a considerable amount of time due to the injury and subsequent surgery. So, that wasn`t unexpected,” he stated. “However, it`s gratifying to feel physically strong and healthy again. And I`m keen to get back on the ice.”
During Wednesday morning`s practice session, Kane was skating alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. He is expected to take Jeff Skinner`s spot in the Oilers` lineup for the game.
“He`ll be vocal, he`ll be interacting, injecting some energy,” remarked Nugent-Hopkins about his new linemate. “And I know he`ll be thrilled to play tonight, so it will be good to have him on the wing.”
Tristan Blackwood