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Vancouver Canucks GM Comments Directly on Evander Kane's Controversial Past
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin is aware that Evander Kane comes with some baggage, and he took the time to comment on it all and clear things up.

Thw Edmonton Oilers traded Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth round pick in the upcoming NHL draft, which freed up some much needed cap space. There were mixed reactions from the fan base because of his history.

Kane has a history of being punished in the NHL for off ice mishaps

Kane has been punished in the past. During the 2021-22 season, he was suspended from the league for 21 games for faking COVID-19 documents. As a result, his contract with the San Jose Sharks was later terminated.

The Canucks dealt with major internal drama this season, with J.T. Miller having to be traded because of his broken relationship with Elias Pettersson. So, many see taking on Kane to be a huge risk for Vancouver.

Kane accumulated the most penalties during his time with the Oilers. With that in the background, his arrivals in Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces were a source of frustration for the organization and fans as well.

Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin recognised all of these challenges and when speaking to the media on Wednesday, maintained that Kane 'had matured.'

'I think the past is the past with Evander,' Allvin said. 'The last couple of years in Edmonton, I think he contributed a lot to the off-ice stuff and helping out. Having three kids here now, I think he has matured. I do believe that this gives us a chance and him a chance to see if this is a fit moving on here, and I'm sure hoping so after this year.

'We all know that there has been some stuff in the past. But again, I have no problem with personalities. As long as they perform on the ice and fit in with the team rules off the ice, I've no issues or concerns with players or what they're wearing and how they're driving to the game.'

The Oilers have upcoming contract extensions that are looming. Trent Frederic, Corey Perry, Evan Bouchard, and Connor McDavid can be signed during this offseason, and for this to happen, Edmonton needs cap space.

Kane's move was the first effort in making that happen. Oilers GM Stan Bowman thanked Kane for his time with the team with some remarks of his own.

The Oilers can now turn their focus to Viktor Arvidsson, who has a $4 million annual average value attached to him, and he is expected to be traded very shortly.

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

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