Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Evander Kane

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 10, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Evander Kane made an impact.

Evander Kane is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, Kane has also played for the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks during his NHL career. A prominent player known for his scoring ability and physical style of play.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2003, Kane played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from North Vancouver.

2004: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2004, Kane played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from North Vancouver.

December 13, 2006: First WHL call-up

On December 13, 2006, Kane received his first WHL call-up for a game against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

March 25, 2007: First WHL Goal

On March 25, 2007, Kane scored his first WHL goal against in the last game of the regular season.

2007: Memorial Cup Win

In 2007, Evander Kane won the Memorial Cup with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

October 10, 2008: First WHL Hat-Trick

On October 10, 2008, Kane recorded his first WHL hat-trick against the Kelowna Rockets.

2008: Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament

In 2008, Evander Kane competed in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, securing a gold medal with Canada's under-18 team. He tallied four points in four games, including an assist in the 6–3 gold medal game victory against Russia.

July 20, 2009: Signed with the Thrashers

On July 20, 2009, Kane signed an entry-level contract with the Atlanta Thrashers.

October 3, 2009: First NHL Point

On October 3, 2009, Kane recorded his first career NHL point, an assist, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2009: Drafted by Atlanta Thrashers

In 2009, Evander Kane was selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL Entry Draft.

2009: All-Star Honors

In 2009, Kane received WHL West First Team All-Star honors along with teammates Pierro-Zabotel and Jonathon Blum. In the playoffs, Kane scored a double-overtime game-winner against the Spokane Chiefs.

2009: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2009, as the youngest player, Evander Kane played for Team Canada during the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, helping secure a fifth-straight gold medal with a 5–1 win over Sweden in the final. Kane contributed six points in six games.

2010: IIHF World Championship

Following his rookie season in the NHL, Evander Kane was named to the Canadian men's team for the 2010 IIHF World Championship in Germany. He finished the tournament with two goals and two assists in seven games.

2010: Competed in IIHF World Championships

In 2010, Kane competed in the IIHF World Championships for Team Canada.

2011: Competed in IIHF World Championships

In 2011, Evander Kane competed in the IIHF World Championships.

2011: IIHF World Championship

In 2011, Evander Kane returned to the national team for the IIHF World Championship in Slovakia, recording two assists over seven games.

March 1, 2012: Four-Point Game

On March 1, 2012, Kane recorded a four-point game (two goals and two assists) in a 7–0 win against the Florida Panthers.

September 15, 2012: Signed Contract Extension with Jets

On September 15, 2012, Kane signed a six-year, $31.5 million contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets.

2012: Competed in IIHF World Championships

In 2012, Evander Kane competed in the IIHF World Championships.

2012: Joined and Released by Dinamo Minsk

In 2012, during the NHL lockout, Kane joined Dinamo Minsk of the KHL but was later released after 12 games.

2014: Competed in IIHF World Championships

In 2014, Evander Kane competed in the IIHF World Championships.

February 11, 2015: Traded to Buffalo Sabres

On February 11, 2015, Kane was traded by the Jets to the Buffalo Sabres.

2017: Played for Buffalo and San Jose

In the 2017 season, Evander Kane played 78 games and scored 54 points while playing for both the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks. The 78 games played is the most in a season for Kane.

February 26, 2018: Traded to San Jose Sharks

On February 26, 2018, the Sabres traded Kane to the San Jose Sharks.

March 16, 2018: First NHL Hat-Trick

On March 16, 2018, Kane scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Calgary Flames, and added a fourth goal in the same game.

May 24, 2018: Re-Signed with Sharks

On May 24, 2018, the Sharks re-signed Kane to a seven-year, $49 million contract.

2018: Led NHL in Penalty Minutes

During the 2018–19 season, Kane totaled 56 points and led the NHL in penalty minutes with 153.

2019: Conditional Pick

In 2019, the San Jose Sharks gave the Buffalo Sabres a conditional first or second round pick for Evander Kane.

January 5, 2020: First Period Hat Trick

On January 5, 2020, Kane became the first Sharks player in franchise history to record a first period hat trick in a 5–2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

June 8, 2020: Kane Co-Founds Hockey Diversity Alliance

On June 8, 2020, Evander Kane co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance with Akim Aliu to combat intolerance and racism within the sport of hockey, showcasing his commitment to social justice.

2020: Conditional Pick

In 2020, the San Jose Sharks gave the Buffalo Sabres a conditional fourth-round pick for Evander Kane.

November 28, 2021: Placed on Waivers

On November 28, 2021, following the completion of his suspension, the Sharks placed Kane on waivers and was re-assigned to AHL.

January 27, 2022: Kane Signs with the Edmonton Oilers

On January 27, 2022, Evander Kane signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. This decision, aimed at bolstering the team's playoff prospects, generated controversy but was defended by Connor McDavid as a mutually beneficial opportunity for Kane to re-establish himself in the NHL.

July 12, 2022: Kane Signs Contract Extension with Oilers

On July 12, 2022, Evander Kane signed a four-year, $20.5 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future.

2022: Kane's Impact on the Oilers and Suspension

In 2022, Evander Kane debuted with the Oilers on January 29, contributing significantly to the team's performance, including playoff games. However, during Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche, Kane cross-checked Nazem Kadri, resulting in a major penalty and a one-game suspension by the NHL.