During the frenzy of the Trade Deadline on Friday morning, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced sanctions for a couple of incidents from Thursday’s NHL games. Toronto Maple Leafs’ Jake McCabe and Boston Bruins’ Charlie Coyle were both fined $5,000 for cross-checking violations following a heated match between the divisional rivals. Additionally, Edmonton Oilers’ right winger Evander Kane received a $2,500 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct against Columbus Blue Jackets’ Cole Sillinger.
The altercation involving Kane occurred during the second period of the Oilers’ 4-2 defeat to the Blue Jackets on Thursday, reportedly stemming from a bench dispute where Kane thrust his stick into the Blue Jackets’ bench, as per a source from Daily Faceoff.
Kane has a history of disciplinary actions, with Friday’s fine marking the fourth in his NHL career. He has also faced seven suspensions from the DOPS throughout his 15 seasons.
The 32-year-old Kane is experiencing a decline in performance this season. After scoring 38 goals in 84 regular-season games during his first two seasons with the Oilers, along with 16 goals in 27 playoff games, he has managed only 21 goals in 60 games so far in the 2023-24 season. His goals-per-game ratio of 0.35 is his lowest since his time with the Buffalo Sabres in 2015-16.
In Thursday’s game, Kane had a new linemate in Adam Henrique, acquired by the Oilers from the Anaheim Ducks in a trade earlier in the week, marking their initial move in the Western Conference competition. Henrique, typically a center, was placed in Edmonton’s top six and played on the left wing alongside Leon Draisaitl and Kane, also rotating with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The fine issued to Kane will contribute to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.