Evander Kane's Makes Major Breakthrough—Playoff Return Imminent

5 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

Evander Kane is leaving it all on the ice in his relentless push to return from injury—and Monday’s practice may have been his biggest breakthrough yet.After enduring multiple surgeries and a grueling rehab process, Kane’s timeline has been uncertain all season. The Oilers only confirmed at the trade deadline that he’d be back sometime in the playoffs. But now? His latest showing suggests that "sometime" could be sooner than expected.Kane’s Explosive Practice Fuels Playoff HopesWhile Kane has been skating with the team for weeks, Monday was different. Reporters noted a newfound burst in his stride—his most dynamic movement all year. That’s a massive sign that a first-round return (now just 12 games away) might actually be in play.Until now, Oilers insiders have been cautious about Kane’s progress, noting he hadn’t strung together strong back-to-back practices. But Monday? He looked dangerously close to game-ready.Best we’ve seen Evander Kane move at practice. An encouraging sign with 12 games remaining on the Oilers schedule. #Oilers pic.twitter.com/xmqWPmGx0y— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) March 24, 2025Oilers Managing Expectations—But Kane Has Other PlansIn recent weeks, GM Stan Bowman has downplayed the idea of Kane being ready for the playoffs' opening games, emphasizing that Edmonton needs to keep winning to give him a chance to return."He’ll be back in the playoffs—if we keep winning," Bowman said. "Whether it’s Game 1 or later, we’re not sure. But getting him back is absolutely a motivator for this team."Kane, however, seems determined not to miss a single shift. After sitting out the entire season, his ramp-up in intensity suggests he’s pushing hard for a Game 1 comeback.A Healthy Kane Could Be a Playoff X-FactorAdding Kane and Trent Frederic to the Oilers’ forward group would give them a serious boost—two physical, scoring power forwards who thrive in playoff hockey. If Kane returns at full strength, Edmonton’s lineup suddenly looks a whole lot deeper—and a whole lot scarier.One thing’s clear: Kane isn’t just working to come back—he’s working to dominate. And if Monday was any indication, the wait might almost be over.Image - Bob Frid-Imagn ...

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