Sharks trying to trade Evander Kane as on and off ice troubles mount
Anthony Scultore
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Evander Kane’s troubles appear to be only mounting. On the heels of accusations levied by his soon to be ex-wife that he bet on his own games, it seems the San Jose Sharks are looking to trade him.
Sharks looking to trade Evander Kane
According to a report in The Athletic, Evander Kane is not wanted back. Kevin Kurz states that sources have told him the team was trying to trade the 29 year-old forward this offseason.
The team was trying to trade Kane earlier this summer, a source says, confirming a report from the Daily Faceoff. A big part of the reason for the team to pursue a deal was Kane’s strained relationship with many of his teammates, according to several sources.
The Athletic
Kane is entering the fourth season of a seven-year, $49 million deal.
He recorded 49 points (22 goals, 27 assists) in 56 games and an average of 20 minutes, 12 seconds of time on ice. His plus-minus rating for the season was minus-1.
His career plus-minus rating is minus-67 in 769 games with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres and Sharks. He has 264 goals and 242 assists (506 points) in 12 seasons.
NHL investigating gambling accusations
“The League was made aware this evening of a post on social media alleging that San Jose Sharks Player Evander Kane bet on NHL games,” the league said in a statement this past weekend. “The integrity of our game is paramount and the League takes these allegations very seriously. We intend to conduct a full investigation and will have no further comment at this time.”
Kane said he would cooperate with the league. “I look forward to cooperating fully with the league’s investigation, having my name cleared and looking forward to this upcoming season,” he wrote in a statement of his own.
“I have NEVER gambled/bet on Hockey, NEVER gambled/bet on a Sharks game, NEVER gambled/bet on any of my games and NEVER thrown a hockey game,” Kane wrote. “The facts are I personally had my best season of my career last year and was the most consistent I’ve been throughout any season, I’m proud of that. I love the game of Hockey and would never do any of what was alleged.”
His statement was followed up again by his wife claiming he was not telling the truth. This story is far from over as we await more information.
Kane also filed for bankruptcy which only complicates the matter.