NHLPA to File Grievance on Behalf of Evander Kane

While the San Jose Sharks have visions of leaving Evander Kane and his hefty contract in the dust, turns out the NHLPA is getting involved after reports surfaced on Saturday that the Sharks were terminating the forwards contract.

We are aware of the San Jose Sharks’ stated intent to terminate Evander Kane’s contract. The NHLPA intends to challenge any such action by filing a grievance.
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) January 8, 2022

The Sharks placed Kane on waivers for intention to terminate his contract on Saturday after it was revealed he was supposed to be isolating in San Diego due to being COVID positive and decided to fly privately back home to Vancouver. Then, he was supposed to be back to the AHL facilities for late December and showed up a week late. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported this on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on Saturday night.

Kane's agent Dan Milstein threatened to file a grievance as well adding that he believes the Sharks don't have 'sufficient grounds' to terminate his player's deal. The 30-year-old would essentially be forfeiting $28 million for a chance to walk free and sign with any other team in the league. Friedman also reported on Saturday that there's a ton of interest in Kane and it's likely some teams go multi-year deal for the power forward.

Evander Kane, contract terminated by SJ, is a top six power forward who despite taking lots of penalties can play in all situations and produces reasonably well. Will that be enough for a team to take a shot on him? #SjSharks pic.twitter.com/GaQUegcu2a
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 8, 2022

Evander Kane and Antonio Brown about to start a podcast together
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) January 8, 2022

It's been nothing but drama for Kane the past few months, both on and off the ice. He was recently suspended for 21 games for providing a fake vaccination card at training camp. Then there was the allegations of gambling on his own games and of course the bankruptcy stories. Any team that adds him to their roster will have some work to do to ensure the optics look as clean as possible.

The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) 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 Club will have no further comment on this matter.

Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports