As the offseason unfolds, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a crucial crossroads regarding the future of Evander Kane. With salary cap constraints looming and the need to secure key players like Evan Bouchard, management is actively exploring trade possibilities for the veteran forward.

Interest in Kane is reportedly strong across the NHL, with several teams eager to add his scoring touch and playoff pedigree to their lineup. However, navigating his 16-team no-trade list and finding the right fit presents a unique challenge for Edmonton’s front office.

The situation is further complicated by Kane’s past reluctance to accept a trade, raising questions about which teams he might consider this time around. As speculation swirls about potential destinations and trade packages, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the Oilers will balance their roster needs with the realities of the salary cap. The outcome of these decisions could have significant implications for both Kane’s career and the Oilers’ championship aspirations.

Evander Kane with the Edmonton Oilers

Photo credit: USA Today Sports

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to move Evander Kane this offseason to clear salary cap space, but they’ll have to work with his 16 team no-trade list.

NHL insiders have confirmed there is trade interest around the league for Evander Kane. Hopefully, the Oilers will be able to leverage that interest to drive up the trade price.

Six teams interested in trading for Oilers forward Evander Kane

As an experienced power forward with scoring ability and playoff experience, every kind of team will be interested in Evander Kane. The Oilers have to shed salary for the Bouchard extension, but Kane’s $5.125M salary is manageable.

OilersNation is reporting 6 different teams that are interested in Evander Kane: the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, and Pittsburgh Penguins were listed as options.

Kane’s no-trade list likely includes other Canadian teams, and he likely has a preference for a contending team. However, Kane could even get high ice time on a rebuilder, then be traded at the deadline.

According to the 4th Period, Evander Kane denied a trade to another team at last year’s trade deadline. It’s likely he wanted to stay in Edmonton for a chance to win a Cup, but this offseason, he won’t have the chance to fully deny a deal.

The Oilers will be looking to move Kane this off-season and his $5.125 million cap hit Reports ahead of the trade deadline suggested he refused to waive his NTC for a team that wasn’t on his trade list – could those talks get revisited now that the season’s over?

– The 4th Period

Perhaps the team Kane denied a trade to was a non-playoff team, but the Oilers could revisit this summer. A fringe playoff team like the Utah Mammoth could use Kane, and may have prospects that could entice the Oilers.

Hopefully Edmonton can figure out a way to keep the forward group strong while moving out Evander Kane, and get the best possible deal in return for him.