Report: Sharks' Evander Kane facing allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence from estranged wife
There was already going to be drama in the air as the San Jose Sharks get their 2021 preseason underway given all of the offseason news surrounding Evander Kane and the allegations made by his estranged wife, Anna.
Now, with new allegations filed against the embattled winger and no further comment coming from Team Teal, it's fair to wonder if Kane's days playing in Silicon Valley are numbered.
Front Office Sports reported Tuesday evening that Anna Kane filed a domestic violence restraining order against Evander. According to FOS, the restraining order application filed Tuesday in Santa Clara County, Calif., is part of the couple's divorce proceedings.
This filing is the latest piece in the couple's public feud. Last month, the league's investigation into allegations Evander bet on hockey games and threw Sharks games to turn a profit stalled because the NHL couldn't reach Anna for an interview. The 12-year NHL veteran then went on ESPN to defend himself and profess his innocence.
Where do the Sharks stand on all of this?
Through the last few months of the Kanes' dirty laundry being publicly aired out, the San Jose franchise has been conspicuously quiet. Even as a report by The Athletic uncovered some of Kane's teammates want him gone and that the team was looking to trade him early in the offseason, the Sharks' loudest voices have yet to be heard.
Kane's ESPN interview also raised questions as to how much he is wanted back in the Sharks dressing room. No. 9 said he was unaware of claims his teammates don't want him there anymore and said the organization never said anything to him about potentially trading him. The lack of communication between Kane and the rest of the Sharks organization, players and personnel alike, raises questions as to how isolated he is and how much San Jose really does want to move on from him.
Of course, there still aren't any definitive answers regarding the allegations of NHL gambling, sexual assault and domestic violence.
Given how the offseason news has rolled out, it's fair to question whether we'll see Kane in a teal sweater on opening night.
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