Kane Re-Signs With Oilers, but Drama With Sharks Isn’t Over Yet

Evander Kane is back with the Edmonton Oilers?

Kane announced that he’s returning to the Oilers for a reported four years and $20.5 million dollars ($5.125 million AAV), but even with that, it’s still a question mark if he’s actually returning to Edmonton.

Kane’s grievance against the San Jose Sharks for terminating his contract in January – three years and $21 million left in the original agreement, signed in May 2018, at stake – still hasn’t been decided.

This is our current understanding of the situation, from June: “So at the moment, the Sharks are clear of Kane’s original contract and the winger is able to re-sign with Edmonton – but that would be superseded if Kane wins his grievance – he would be returned to San Jose.

“That’s awkward to think about right now, but imagine if that happens after Jul. 13, and the Sharks have committed cap space to other free agents, and the Oilers or another team has committed to ersatz UFA Kane?”

Bill Daly on Why Sharks-Kane Don’t Find New Arbitrator, Potential Settlement

It looks like we’re at that point, the night before Jul. 13, with no decision from the arbitrator, and at this time, no settlement between the Sharks-Kane.

“Our position is it’s a valid termination and he’s a free agent [right now],” Bill Daly said in June. “But that doesn’t mean that situation might not be reversed, in effect, by an arbitrator – saying he has a valid contract and still has a valid contract [with the Sharks].”

We’re still waiting for the second hearing date for the Kane grievance. But in effect, Kane could be back with the San Jose Sharks some time this off-season.

We ran through that scenario here:

If Sharks Get Kane Back, Why Might He Refuse Trade to Oilers? (+)

It’s worth noting that teams are allowed to go 10 percent over the $82.5 million salary cap in the off-season.

Suffice to say, the San Jose Sharks-Evander Kane drama isn’t over yet.