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Evander Kane Risks First Canucks Season After Latest Summer Beer League Sighting

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 12:08 PM ET

New Canucks forward Evander Kane was spotted playing in a beer league after a post went viral on X, prompting fans to worry he could injure himself and miss action.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin had a stressful offseason after the team didn't qualify for the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While the Canucks weren't successful in signing their marquee free-agent targets, they were able to make waves by trading for polarizing power forward Evander Kane from the Edmonton Oilers.

Injuries plagued Vancouver last year, with some of its best players spending significant time on the sidelines.

If Vancouver is going to be able to compete, avoiding this will be key as it goes into training camp. This is why Evander Kane's summer activity recently has been so suspect.

The 33-year-old left winger was spotted playing in a summer beer league under the alias 'Fa Afo,' which is an acronym for a phrase that became well-known after a heated sports playoff fight with the Vegas Golden Knights, in which he defeated Keegan Kolesar in a bout.

'Despite the recent trade, Kane was suiting up in a league in Edmonton once again. The only difference this time was that, while still rocking Oilers gloves, he had Canucks pant shells on.'

While NHL players may indeed skate in the off-season, they typically skate with other pros or high-level prospects, guys who understand the risk of skating into something that could land them in the hospital. Beer league hockey is far more unpredictable.

Kane is Fresh Off a Surgery During the Most Recent Season

Kane is used to serious injuries. Last summer, he underwent surgery on two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias, and two torn lower abdominal muscles. He also required a second surgery in January.

Though his full recovery is welcome news for the Canucks, taking unnecessary risks before his first season with the team may endanger both his well-being and the ambitions of the team.

With the Canucks depending on Kane to offer size, toughness, and scoring, most will ask themselves whether suiting up in an easy-going summer league against non-pros is worth the gamble.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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