Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Vancouver Canucks explored the possibility of trading Evander Kane back to the Edmonton Oilers. According to Rick Dhaliwal, a Canucks reporter, the Canucks reached out to the Oilers to gauge their interest in a reunion with the veteran winger. However, the Oilers promptly rejected the idea.

Kane's time in Vancouver has not lived up to expectations since he was traded to his hometown team during the past offseason. In exchange for Kane, the Canucks sent a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft to Edmonton. While the Canucks hoped Kane would bring offense and physicality, his performance has been underwhelming. Through 41 games with Vancouver, the 34-year-old winger has only managed six goals and 13 points, despite playing primarily in a top-six role.

Multiple factors contributed to the Oilers' disinterest in bringing Kane back. Edmonton is currently looking to clear out salary, and acquiring Kane's $5.125 million cap hit would be challenging. Even if the Oilers sent Andrew Mangiapane to Vancouver in return, they would still be adding to their cap. Furthermore, NHL rules prevent the Oilers from reacquiring Kane with salary retention less than a year after trading him.

Some reports suggest that the Oilers are looking to move Andrew Mangiapane. The Oilers have just under $5 million in cap space available.

During his time in Edmonton (2022-2025), Kane had a significant impact, particularly during their Stanley Cup Finals run. In 2026, the Oilers are seeking another scoring forward as a trade deadline target. Jake DeBrusk of the Canucks is a potential target for the Oilers, possibly in the summer.

Kane's history includes stints with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets (2009-2015), Buffalo Sabres (2015-2018), and San Jose Sharks (2018-2022). Throughout his career, Kane has faced both on-ice success and off-ice controversies.

Given Kane's contract, current production, age, injury history, and trade protection, finding a new team for him may prove difficult for the Canucks.