Reports: Sharks set to terminate Evander Kane’s contract over COVID violation, grievance to be filed
Anthony Scultore
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The San Jose Sharks placed forward Evander Kane on unconditional waivers Saturday for the purpose of terminating his contract.
Other NHL teams can claim Kane in the next 24 hours. Should he go unclaimed, the Sharks will terminate the rest of his deal. It is unlikely anyone will claim Kane as he’s passed through waivers once already.
Kane is in the fourth season of a seven-year, $49 million contract signed in May 2018.
Sharks to terminate Kane contract
“The San Jose Sharks have informed Evander Kane that he has been placed on unconditional waivers with intent to terminate his contract for breach of his NHL Standard Player Contract and for violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols,” the team said in a statement.
Kane, 30, served a 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card and was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League.
Kane led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games last season.
He has 264 goals and 242 assists in 769 career games for the Atlanta Thrashers (2009-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-15), Buffalo Sabres (2015-18) and Sharks.
Kane may file a grievance
Multiple reports are stating that Kane is likely to file a grievance through the NHLPA. No official word at this hour, but according to NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes this is still a fluid situation.
Prior to this, the San Jose Sharks were actively trying to trade Kane and willing to retain 50% of his salary in order to do so. Per Rick Dhaliwal, Kane’s agent has also been reaching out to teams to help facilitate a trade.
At that time several teams were rumored landing spots including the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning. They could be also be possible low cost signing destinations for this season once Kane becomes a free agent.
UPDATE: NHLPA will file a grievance
–Field Level Media contributed to this report.