The Sharks are done with Evander Kane, even if the contract haggling may just be beginning.
On Saturday, San Jose announced it has placed the winger on unconditional waivers for a second time, but this time with intent to terminate his contract for “breach of his NHL Standard Player Contract and for violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols.”
This is the second time Kane has been accused of violating the league’s protocols. According to The Athletic, the team is attempting to terminate his contract after he traveled to Vancouver after testing positive for the coronavirus.
“We are aware of the Sharks’ decision to put Evander on waivers for contract termination,” Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein, tweeted. “If he clears, we will file a grievance. The Sharks do not have sufficient grounds for taking this action.”
Teams have a day to claim Kane. If no team does, the Sharks will likely attempt to dust their hands of his deal.
Kane had 3 ¹/₂ years at an average of $7 million per season left on his contract, but Kane and the Players Association likely will fight the move.
“We are aware of the San Jose Sharks’ stated intent to terminate Evander Kane’s contract,” the union tweeted. “The NHLPA intends to challenge any such action by filing a grievance.”
Kane already had been suspended 21 games for submitting a fake vaccination card during a season that has never started for the 30-year-old.
The Sharks have been trying to trade the talented left winger, who was under investigation for the fake vaccine card while the league investigated allegations of domestic assault. His estranged wife, Anna Kane, accused him of sexual assault and domestic battery in divorce filings. The allegations were later dropped when they could not be substantiated.
