SOURCE: Don’t Expect Kane Ruling “For Weeks”

San Jose Hockey Now reported yesterday that Evander Kane was in New York meeting with the NHLPA in preparation for his grievance hearing against the San Jose Sharks.

SOURCE: Kane Meeting With NHLPA About Sharks’ Termination

In early January, the Sharks terminated Kane’s contract “for breach of his NHL Standard Player Contract and for violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols.” The NHLPA quickly filed a grievance on Kane’s behalf.

While SJHN was not given a hearing date yesterday, it was clear that the wheels were being in set in motion for that hearing if Kane was meeting with the PA.

Per Darren Dreger, the meeting is happening as we speak:

Evander Kane grievance hearing over SJ termination begins this morning at 10:30am.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 19, 2022

SJHN was told that this hearing would be an all-day affair. And according to Pierre LeBrun, it’ll be more than a day:

The Evander Kane grievance hearing will need a second day. It will need to be scheduled. Date TBD.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 19, 2022

Kane is expected back in Edmonton tomorrow to suit up for the Oilers’ game versus the Dallas Stars.

To get a better sense of what the San Jose Sharks could be arguing against Evander Kane, read here:

Why NHL Not Punishing Kane May Not Affect Sharks’ Contract Termination

If the termination is upheld, that means the Sharks are free and clear of the $22.9 million dollars owed to Kane over the next three years, both in terms of actual cash and on the cap. However, if San Jose loses the grievance, that entire amount, minus what Edmonton is paying him this year, is back on their cap.

A source tells SJHN, however, not to expect the arbitrator’s decision “for weeks.” We’ll see if it takes that long.

But it looks like the Sharks should receive some clarity about their salary cap situation and Evander Kane will know what’s going on with his missing $22.9 million soon enough.

That’s key for San Jose because it’s a pivotal off-season for them. The Sharks will miss the playoffs for their third straight season but are under the gun to quickly improve the team after re-signing Tomas Hertl to an eight-year, $65.1 million dollar extension. The cap-strapped organization will need all the cap space that they can get.

In the meanwhile, from this hearing date to the time of the arbitrator’s ruling, there remains the possibility of a settlement between the two sides.