Evander Kane found himself barely able to stand following a complex and invasive surgery. Rarely do professional athletes undergo procedures to repair two adductor muscles, situated in each hip, along with two sports hernias, in an effort to return to the game. Following a five-day stay in a New York hospital in September, Kane experienced physical and mental relief. This marked a stark contrast to late June when he was unable to hit the ice for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers lost that game by just one goal, despite clawing back from a 3-0 series deficit.
“That was probably the most difficult thing I’ve experienced in my career,” Kane shared. “I don’t know if you’ll ever get over that.”
Throughout the NHL season, Kane struggled to regain his health. He only made his return in Game 2 of Edmonton’s first-round playoff series against Los Angeles. In Game 3 on Friday night, his second game back post-surgery, Kane notched an assist and the tying goal, demonstrating his value when healthy or near it. “He’s one in a million,” expressed teammate Connor Brown. “It’s unbelievable what he’s able to do when the lights are on.”
Kane felt much improved upon returning, describing the difference as “night and day from last year.” However, the 33-year-old veteran was unsure what he could achieve once back out there or how long it would take to shake the rust off.
Reflecting on his past season filled with pain, he drew confidence from his ability to skate nearly 17 minutes a game with 44 points, followed by eight more in the playoffs. Yet, it became clear early in the final last year that he couldn’t continue further without extensive treatment.
“I knew it was going to be a long process,” Kane admitted. “I knew I was going to have to put a lot of work into it, and I did.”
Recovery sidelined Kane for over two months, allowing his body the time it needed to heal. In the meantime, his fiancée was expecting their third child, and he took this opportunity to help more around the home. “It was fun to be able to drive them to school every day, pick them up, or do different activities with them,” he noted.
Kane began gradually increasing his physical activities, incorporating his children into his rehab sessions by showing them what treatment and practice involved. His home life remained full of action, staving off the boredom one might expect.
In January, Kane underwent additional arthroscopic knee surgery to address a minor issue needing resolution. This procedure may have delayed his comeback by several weeks. On March 7, after careful assessment by the medical team, the Oilers announced that Kane would not play before the season ended. Kane still felt progress while maintaining contact with the team.
“You have to know yourself and trust your own instincts,” Kane shared, crediting the communication and mutual understanding with the team in preventing setbacks.
Despite his hard work, Kane didn’t make the cut for Game 7 against Florida and had to witness the Oilers’ narrow defeat, describing it as “the most nerve-wracking game I’ve ever watched.”
Entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kane anticipated that adrenaline would help him along. “I’m sure it’s not going to be easy, but I think I’ll be ready for it,” he said.
In his first game back against LA, he struggled, spending nearly 15 minutes on the ice with a cross-checking penalty in a 6-2 loss. However, Friday’s game took a different turn. Kane assisted in evening the game at 3 and later pushed the puck into the net for another crucial equalizer. His efforts spurred on a successful power play, leading to Edmonton’s eventual 7-4 victory.
“A huge game from him,” coach Kris Knoblauch praised. Kane, with his extensive league experience since 2008, having previously dealt with shoulder surgery and a skate cut to his wrist, was patient throughout his recovery, hoping it would lead to the success seen now. “I knew this wasn’t going to be a quick fix,” Kane said, acknowledging the importance of a thorough process to avoid future surgery.