ToHN Daily: Trouble continues to follow Evander Kane

The NHL suspended San Jose Sharks left winger Evander Kane for 21 games by the National Hockey League for a COVID protocol violation.

This is just the latest in what has been a disastrous offseason for Kane, who is going through a messy divorce, during which his wife has accused him of betting on hockey and San Jose Sharks games specifically, in addition to accusations of physical and sexual assault. None of these allegations have been verified but they have been very public. It is an epic run of bad behaviour to add a COVID protocol violation on top of all these allegations. At some point, the decisions have to be better.

The NHLPA has released the following statement at the request of Evander Kane: https://t.co/c0Aq6oo3bq pic.twitter.com/sp3fFkePPJ

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 18, 2021

While Evander Kane intends to come back and play, there is no indication that the Sharks are looking forward to that possibility.

The Sharks released their own statement after the suspension was announced:

“The NHL has advised our organization that Evander Kane has been suspended without pay for 21 games for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocols.

While we are encouraged by Evander’s commitment to moving forward, we are extremely disappointed by his disregard for the health and safety protocols put in place by the NHL and NHLPA.

We will not be commenting further on Evander’s status prior to the conclusion of the NHL’s mandated suspension.”

From the sounds of it, there could be more drama before we see Evander Kane back on an NHL rink. That does not sound like a team welcoming him back with open arms.

To the links…

AROUND THE RINK

Calgary: The Flames were burned by the Ducks in OT.

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon returns to the Avalanche lineup tonight.

Arizona: Coyotes working to trade Kessel.

NHL: Preliminary players to watch from Central Scouting.

St. Louis: Buchnevich to have a hearing for head-butting Lawson Crouse.

Columbus: Max Domi out 2-4 weeks with fractured ribs.

Florida: Anthony Duclair has moved back to the Panthers’ top line.

Toronto: 5 Takeaways from Toronto’s 2-1 OT loss to the Rangers.