NHLPA files grievance on behalf of Evander Kane
The Evander Kane saga marches on.
After having his contract terminated by the San Jose Sharks over the weekend after clearing unconditional waivers, the NHLPA has responded by filing a grievance, stating that the Sharks "did not have sufficient grounds" to rip up his contract.
Kane's agent hinted at the action over the weekend:
We are aware of the Sharks’ decision to put Evander on waivers for contract termination. If he clears, we will file a grievance. The Sharks do not have sufficient grounds for taking this action. #WeAreGoldStar!
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) January 8, 2022
The Sharks reportedly allege that Kane breached his contract by travelling from California to Vancouver over the holiday break while in COVID-19 protocol. It was determined that Kane's apparent disregard for protocol was reason to nix the remaining three-plus seasons and $22-plus-million remaining on his current standard player's contract.
Kane had previously been suspended 21 games and subsequently demoted to the American Hockey League for submitting a fake vaccination card at the outset of the season. It's believed that the Sharks were trying to find a trade partner to offload Kane since his demotion.
Kane has had a litany of issues since entering the league, several of which precede the signing of his seven-year, $49 million contract in San Jose. Most recently, the league cleared Kane of any wrongdoing after Kane's ex-wife, Anna, accused him of domestic assault and betting on NHL games.
It was reported before the year that Kane's teammates did not want him to return this season.
Without a deal, it's believed that Kane can pursue other NHL opportunities, though the appeal process will likely hold up a potential return.
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