(Hockey Snipers / Flickr)
San Jose Sharks forward, Evander Kane, has been a top of the headlines over the last few months for seemingly all the wrong reasons… and it just so seems we have entered a new era in the Evander Kane saga.
The NHL issued a 21-game suspension to the Vancouver-native on Monday for violating the league’s COVID-19 vaccine protocol after trying to pass a phony vaccine certificate to his club in California.
The San Jose Sharks issued a statement after the suspension was laid on Kane, voicing their disappointments with the star winger.
“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 the NHLPA…”
- San Jose Sharks / NHL.com
(Casino Connection – Flickr)
Kane’s suspension will be without pay, forcing him to forfeit nearly $1.7 million of his annual $7 million contract into the NHLPA’s Emergency Assistance Fund.
Kane himself issued an apology statement following his suspension, making it clear he knows where he went wrong and that he will make efforts during his time away from the ice with counselling and self-reflection.
“I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”
- Evander Kane / San Jose Sharks
This is far from Kane’s first gaffe in what was an eventful offseason in such department. Kane had filed for bankruptcy at the turn of the calendar year due to an admitted gambling addiction, which then later stemmed into a whole other discussion after it was alleged that he bet on and “threw” his own games for monetary gain. Investigations into those claims have yet to come back with any notable evidence.
Kane also was subject to allegations of domestic abuse from his estranged wife just last month after she made a public announcement on Instagram, calling him out for his actions.
As for the Sharks, without Kane, it opens up roster oppurtunities for the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, William Eklund, who’s destined to shine with a chance for more ice-time. Another possible substitute could be former Vancouver Canuck, Jonah Gadjovich, who was just swiped off of waivers following the Canucks’ preseason.
Kane and the Sharks still remain in contact, but as tensions continue to rise between the organization and teammates, it is un sure if Kane may even suit up for another Sharks’ game down the beaten path.