Today, the San Jose Sharks placed (F) Evander Kane on unconditional waivers with intentions of terminating the remainder of his $49M, 7 year contract.
Here is an official statement from the San Jose Sharks, as shared by Elliotte Friendman of Hockey Night in Canada.
The Sharks said Saturday that they made the move because Kane violated COVID-19 protocols in the AHL where he is currently playing for the Barracuda. The team said it would have no further comment.
The termination of the contract will cost Kane approximately $22.9 million remaining from the contract he signed in May, 2018.
He faced accusations of gambling on games, purposely losing games he bet on, as well as sexual and physical abuse from his estranged wife Anna during the summer.
The NHL investigated Kane and found no evidence to support those allegations but did suspend him for 21 games for submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.
When his suspension was lifted at the end of November, the Sharks placed Kane on waivers and sent him to the AHL when he went unclaimed.
Kane tested positive for the Coronavirus on Dec. 21. In a statement, the Sharks said that Kane had been terminated due to "Breach of his standard Player Contract" and "Violation of the COVID-19 protocols." According to sources, Kane took a flight to Vancouver during his 10-days in AHL COVID-19 protocol. Kane may not have had medical clearance to take the flight.
There are also reports on his return to the Barracuda. The Sharks allege he was supposed to return on Dec. 31, and he hadn't returned until Jan. 6.
The Vancouver native had eight points in five games with AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda before being placed in COVID-19 protocols on Dec. 22.
The 30-year-old Kane had 22 goals and 22 assists in 56 games last season for the Sharks. Which is where he has spent his past five seasons since being traded from Buffalo.
It appears Kane's time in the NHL will be coming to an end as no teams are willing to take a gamble on him. The Sharks were willing to retain salary in a possible trade scenario, however now a contract termination is the Sharks only option left.
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