NHL trade rumor: Evander Kane trade buzz grows louder as Edmonton Oilers look to shake up roster after playoff heartbreak

Evander Kane’s rollercoaster stint with the Edmonton Oilers may be coming to a close. After a tough Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers and with a tight salary cap crunch ahead, the Oilers appear set to part ways with the veteran forward. Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit and recent playoff struggles have made him a primary trade candidate.The Oilers have under $12 million in cap space, and a big portion of that is expected to go toward a long-term extension for defenseman Evan Bouchard. With that priority in mind, general manager Stan Bowman is reportedly exploring roster adjustments, and Kane’s departure would offer much-needed financial flexibility.Additionally, a potential max-term extension for forward Trent Frederic has surfaced in reports. If that deal is finalized, Kane’s role and cap hit become even more difficult to justify. The Oilers also have several other unrestricted free agents in play, including Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Kasperi Kapanen, Jeff Skinner, and John Klingberg. That only adds urgency to streamline the roster.It is becoming clear that Edmonton is eyeing a shift in its team composition. Evander Kane, once a hard-hitting, high-scoring piece of the puzzle, may no longer fit in the new vision. Despite leading the team in hits during the 2023-24 season and notching 24 goals. His injuries and lack of scoring at key moments this year have raised red flags.Though Kane has not yet officially been put on the trade block, the writing is on the wall, Edmonton’s front office seems to be preparing for major changes. And Kane’s departure could be the first domino to fall in what may be a busy summer for the Oilers.Also Read: NHL trade rumor: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says “$7.5 million won’t get it done” as Sam Bennett's contract demands revealed by the Florida Panthers