The NHL’s ongoing investigation into the Edmonton Oilers and Evander Kane has captured the attention of the hockey world, raising questions about the league’s handling of player injuries and salary cap regulations. As new details emerge, the controversy has only intensified, with insiders shedding light on the specific events that triggered the probe. At the heart of the matter is Kane’s second knee surgery in January—a procedure that not only sidelined him for an extended period but also became the focal point of the league’s scrutiny.

While the Oilers maintain that Kane’s injuries were legitimate and medically necessary, the NHL’s decision to dig deeper has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. With potential penalties looming and the integrity of the long-term injured reserve system being called into question, the situation underscores the delicate balance between player health and the competitive landscape of the league. As the investigation continues, the outcome could have significant implications for both the Oilers and the NHL as a whole.

Evander Kane with the Edmonton Oilers

Photo credit: Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers are being investigated by the NHL for violating the CBA surrounding Evander Kane’s injury, and now the specific reason has been revealed.

Reports surfaced last week that the NHL would be continuing an investigation into the Kane situation, and that the Oilers could face punishment to their salary cap or draft picks.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reveals reason behind Kane investigation

According to Elliotte Friedman on a recent edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the point of issue with the NHL was Kane’s second surgery in January to fix a problem with his knee.

«They had another one in January, a knee surgery. And you’re saying that’s the one that the league is starting to look or continuing to look harder at.

So this is the story there. So he had a knee surgery, as you said, in January, and it forced him to stop his rehab from the other surgery for a few weeks. And that is the one the league has put the spotlight on.

Because basically, their opinion is, do you really need this surgery? And if he didn’t really need this surgery, could he have been back sooner?

– Elliotte Friedman

Kane missed the entire season recovering from two separate surgeries, the first coming in September, and the second coming in January – the knee surgery – that the NHL has the issue with.

According to Frank Seravalli, this second surgery was to remove a tumour-like growth in Kane’s knee that began causing him problems during his rehab for the first surgery. Kane still hoped to play in the regular season, but was never cleared by doctors until Game 2 of the playoffs.

Frankly, it’s ridiculous that the NHL is continuing this investigation into the Oilers while it’s clear there were legitimate injuries holding Kane out of the lineup – and while no other team seems to get punished for also icing playoff teams over the salary cap.

Hopefully the NHL drops this investigation, but also fixes the LTIR salary cap issue. It wouldn’t be right to punish the Oilers only after so many other team have been guilty.