Evander Kane set to join Oilers after getting cleared by NHL

Evander Kane reached an agreement to join the Edmonton Oilers after getting cleared by the NHL from any further punishment for COVID-19 protocol violations, according to ESPN.

Kane, 30, was waived by the San Jose Sharks in January with the team claiming he breached his contract by breaking protocols. The veteran winger had just served a 21-game suspension for submitting a false COVID-19 vaccination card. He was released after by traveling home to Vancouver while he was in COVID protocol, although the NHL Players Association quickly filed a grievance that has yet to be resolved.

In a report released Thursday, the NHL said it found "insufficient evidence to conclusively find that Mr. Kane knowingly made misrepresentations regarding his COVID-19 status or test results in connection with his international travel."

Kane began his career as a first-round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers and stayed with the team through its move to become the Winnipeg Jets. In 2015, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres and in 2018, he was traded to the Sharks.

Much of Kane's career has been defined by controversy, with the winger facing allegations of assault and domestic violence. In 2021, Kane reportedly filed for bankruptcy after amassing $26.8 million in debt.