Will Kane arrival in Edmonton strengthen Flames’ biggest rival?

The NHL’s investigation into Evander Kane’s second alleged COVID violation is closing soon. And while there’s no final report at the moment, it seems set in stone that the Calgary Flames’ closest rival is going to land the services of the 30-year-old power forward.

Interested teams have been waiting to find out if the NHL would take any more disciplinary action against Kane for an alleged second COVID violation, crossing into Canada in late December while COVID-positive.

But it seems to be a matter of time before Kane signs with a new NHL team.

All signs point to Kane joining the Oilers. Jason Gregor of The Daily Faceoff went so far as saying that Kane’s number has been picked:

Kane #91….Deal is so close a number has been decided.

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) January 27, 2022

A report on potential discipline from the NHL is expected as early as today.

“No decision has been made at this point,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told San Jose Hockey Now today.

Calgary Flames not mentioned as suitor for Kane’s services

At the beginning of the season, the league suspended Evander Kane for 21 games for a COVID violation. Kane reportedly submitted a fake vaccination card. San Jose also terminated his deal after he allegedly crossed the border and broke COVID protocol.

The NHLPA and Kane filed a grievance afterward. Daly told San Jose Hockey Now that Kane can play immediately when he returns to the NHL.

The forward has also dealt with multiple allegations of abuse, assault and gambling over the last few seasons. And per The Hockey News, multiple Sharks expressed in their exit interviews last season that they do not want Kane on the team.

“Hearing the wheels are in motion for Evander Kane to arrive in Edmonton soon, possibly as soon as later today, to join Oilers,” the Daily Faceoff’s Tim Peel wrote on Twitter.

The Calgary Flames only play the Oilers one more time this season. They’ve lost the first two games by a combined score of 10-5, both in Edmonton. The Flames host the Oilers in the finale on March 26 but fans on both sides would love a playoff Battle of Alberta.

Kane would add a new wrinkle. The Calgary Flames name never surfaced in rumours about Kane’s potential landing spot, although there seems to be little risk in the signing if teams believe the locker-room is strong enough to handle the added scrutiny.