San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Both on and off-ice issues have plagued the 30-year old star. Issues range from marital problems to locker room drama to gambling addiction. Problems first began in January when Kane filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It was a head-turning event because Kane has made an estimated $60 million in career NHL earnings to date, and he has three years remaining on his $49M contract with an AAV of $7M a season.
What’s up? Kane cited $1.5 million in gambling losses and over $26.8 million in total liabilities. His $10.2 mill in assets is primarily in real estate holdings. Kane is also being sued by Centennial Bank, which claims he owes over $8 million.
Kane: Under NHL Investigation (photo, People.com)
Bad enough? In July, Evander’s wife filed for divorce. On Instagram, she accused Kane of abandonment while she was pregnant. She also claimed that Kane is betting on NHL games, including his own, an NHL no-no. A league investigation is underway.
Kane’s issues have had an impact on the Sharks’ locker room. Several teammates told management they do not want him back on the team. While GM Doug Wilson believes that response may be a bit hyperbolic (“All teams have locker room issues,” he said), there are at least three reasons why moving Kane is no easy proposition. First, there’s that ongoing investigation. Second, trading Kane will be next to impossible because of the high salary cap hit. Finally, the Sharks missed the buyout window to shed Kane’s contract.
Even though Kane is coming off one of his best seasons (22 goals and 49 points in 56 games), his playing career remains uncertain. If the NHL’s investigation results in a guilty verdict, expect swift and harsh punishment to follow.
Will there be a happy ending for Evander Kane? The outcome looks dicey, indeed.
