Evander Kane Focuses on Recovery Following Knee Surgery

Evander Kane, the power forward for the Edmonton Oilers, is determined to return to play in the NHL this season, although he is unsure when that will happen. The 33-year-old has been out for the entirety of the 2024-25 season thus far and provided an update on his recovery following his recent knee surgery.

Kane explained that his priority is to get back to full strength, which is why he underwent the surgery. He expressed his commitment to making a return only when he feels completely rehabilitated. While he does not have a specific return date in mind, he reassured fans and teammates that he is doing everything necessary to come back as soon as possible.

This recent surgery isn’t Kane’s first encounter with medical procedures; earlier in the fall, he underwent surgery to repair abdominal issues, including hernias and tears, which required a lengthy recovery period of at least five to six months. His knee surgery is expected to have a recovery timeline of four to eight weeks, but Kane suggests it will only slightly delay his abdominal rehab.

Kane revealed that a knee problem arose a few weeks after his abdominal surgery, leading to this latest procedure, where doctors removed something from his knee, but fortunately, there were no significant structural problems to address. Last year, Kane tried to push through intense abdominal pain but ultimately had to sit out during the Stanley Cup final.

Watching the Oilers lose to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 was difficult for Kane, as he was unable to contribute to the team's effort during critical playoff games. He recognized that returning to play without proper health was not an option, and he is focused on recovering completely—even if that takes time.

Reflecting on his absence from physical play, Kane shared that not participating in the game he has loved for 16 years is understandably tough. However, after the disappointing finals loss, he felt mentally prepared to invest the time needed for his physical recovery. He emphasized that when he returns, he wants to be the impactful player his fans are familiar with.

As for the Oilers, they are currently performing well with an 18-4-1 record, placing them second in the Pacific Division. Last season, Kane tallied 24 goals over 77 games, bringing his career total to 326 goals in 930 games. Renowned for being a tough competitor, he has accumulated a significant number of penalty minutes throughout his NHL career.

Despite his previous struggles with injuries, Kane believes he is on the road to feeling much better. He has yet to get back on the ice but remains optimistic about his potential once he resumes skating. Kane reflected on the challenges he faced last season, particularly the pain that hindered his ability to perform, but today he feels a notable improvement in his overall condition.