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As one might expect thanks to some slightly complicated math that revolves around the salary cap, LTIR, and accrued cap space, it can be a bit difficult to figure out what the Edmonton Oilers might do when it comes to Evander Kane‘s injury situation. He’s expected to be out for months, but maybe not long enough to miss the entire 2024-25 NHL regular season. That leaves the Oilers with a few options.
The common assumption among fans is that the Oilers will stash Kane on LTIR and search the market for another player. That could be what they do if they feel they need to fill a huge hole or start to struggle out of the gates.
But, there are some drawbacks to doing so and it has to do mostly with how accrued cap space is calculated in the NHL.
Why It Helps the Oilers Not To Operate Out Of LTIR to Start the Season
When a team operates out of LTIR (which would be the case if Edmonton stuck Kane on LTIR to start the season), they don’t accrue cap space. To accrue means to have sums of money or benefits be received in increasing amounts over time. That’s important to remember if the team wants to be active at the trade deadline.
For fans who aren’t familiar with this process, as per Puck Pedia:
“A team’s cap hit is calculated based on each day of the season (186 days). For every day a player is on the roster, the team’s cap hit is their full year cap hit divided by 186.”
In other words, the cap space a team has going into the season matters. For example, around $1 million in cap space to start to season is worth a lot more later in the year or by the trade deadline. In Kane’s case, if the Oilers avoid putting Kane on LTIR, they can start to accrue cap space on the approximately $946K Edmonton has in cap space when the season begins. If nothing changes and they maintain this same cap space, by the trade deadline, that’s around an additional $4 million.
The moment the Oilers operate out of LTIR, they can’t access the accrued space.
So What Should the Oilers Do with Kane?
If the team can stay above water and have a solid record without Kane on the roster and an expensive replacement, that’s best. This gives Edmonton time to build up more cap space and spend more at the deadline. If they put Kane on LTIR at the deadline because they learn he won’t be back, the team can make two moves to gain as much as $9 million in deadline space.
First, they could use the cap space accrued on someone (roughly $4 million). Then, they can put Kane on LTIR and get most of his $5.25 million in cap space as well. Once they have access to it, they can add another $5 million player at the deadline and bring Kane back in the playoffs with no cap repercussions.
Well they couldn’t do it all at once. But if they did accrue space by not using LTIR, they could do a transaction to use up the space accrued, then put Kane on LTIR to get access to most of his cap hit as cap space, and then do another transaction to use it. Lots of moving parts…
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) September 25, 2024
That’s by far the better play if the Oilers can avoid having to acquire someone earlier in the season the blue line or at forward. And, if they learn Kane will be back before the playoffs, the Oilers can use the accrued cap space before bringing Kane back.
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Minnesota Vikings Jeff Okudah Turning Heads At Training Camp
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His college resume was nothing short of outstanding. At Ohio State, Okudah was a lockdown corner who excelled in press coverage, finished his junior season with three interceptions, and earned unanimous All-American honors. Experts heralded his technique, physicality, and ability to close on the football as elite traits that would translate seamlessly to the professional level. However, like many rookies burdened with high draft expectations, Okudah didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of. His rookie season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and Detroit’s overall defensive struggles compounded his growing pains. Things hit a low point during his second season in 2021 when he tore his Achilles just one game into the year. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising serious doubts about his durability and ability to regain his form. Even upon returning to the field in 2022, Okudah showed flashes but struggled to secure a consistent role. With the Lions moving in a different direction, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Atlanta offered him stability and opportunities to play, but his performances didn’t fully live up to his potential, and he became a free agent after the 2024 season rather than earning a long-term extension. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Okudah is under scrutiny once again. However, this time, there are signs that he may finally break through. Making Waves at Vikings Training Camp One week into the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp, Jeff Okudah has been a standout. Despite initial reservations about his role, Okudah has been running with the first team at nickel cornerback. For a defensive unit that prioritized upgrades in other areas this offseason, Okudah’s emergence has provided an unexpected boost in the secondary. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has already praised Okudah’s effort and attention to detail. “He’s been diligent on the field, off the field, in the training room, and in the weight room. He’s always looking to do extra film work,” Flores shared in a recent press conference. One hallmark of Flores’ defense is its reliance on intelligent, adaptable players who can read offenses quickly—and Okudah seems to be rising to the challenge. Flores also made it clear that Okudah’s work ethic and athletic ability are giving him an edge. “He’s getting more comfortable within the defense and has shown up positively in every way,” Flores added. For a player whose confidence was undoubtedly tested in previous seasons, this kind of recognition is both meaningful and motivating. What Okudah Brings to the Vikings’ Defense Okudah’s skill set is what originally made him such a highly valued draft pick. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to challenge receivers physically at the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to keep up in coverage downfield. These traits align well with Flores’ aggressive defensive philosophy, which often calls for corners to play in high-pressure scenarios. Playing in the nickel role can feel limiting to some defensive backs, but it requires discipline and versatility—two strengths Okudah is quickly proving he possesses. Nickel corners must be capable of switching onto slot receivers, dropping back into zone coverage, or even stepping up to help in run defense. It’s no easy job, but Okudah’s adaptability is allowing him to make steady progress. The Vikings are banking on Flores’ knack for turning overlooked talents into key contributors, and Okudah could be the next beneficiary. His ability to stay locked in during practice, both physically and mentally, is earning him trust within the organization. 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