Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Evander Kane

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

Evander Kane is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently with the Edmonton Oilers. A winger known for his scoring ability and physical play, Kane was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009. Prior to joining the Oilers, he played for the Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks. His career has been marked by both on-ice success and off-ice controversies.

Sections (6)

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

December 13, 2006: First WHL call-up

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

March 25, 2007: First WHL Goal

On March 25, 2007, Evander Kane scored his first WHL goal, a game-tying marker, 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, Evander Kane recorded his first WHL hat-trick against the Kelowna Rockets.

July 20, 2009: Signed with Thrashers

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

October 3, 2009: First NHL Point

On October 3, 2009, Evander Kane recorded his first career NHL point, an assist, in his debut game for the Atlanta Thrashers against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2009: Drafted by Atlanta Thrashers

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

2010: Competed in IIHF World Championships

In 2010, Evander Kane competed in the IIHF World Championships as part of Team Canada.

2010: Kane plays in 2010 IIHF World Championship

In 2010, Evander Kane played for the Canadian men's team at the IIHF World Championship in Germany, finishing with two goals and two assists in seven games. Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinal.

2011: Competed in IIHF World Championships

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

2011: Kane returns to national team for 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. Canada suffered a second consecutive defeat in the quarterfinal to Russia.

March 1, 2012: Four-Point Game

On March 1, 2012, Evander 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, Evander 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: Signed with Dinamo Minsk

In 2012, as a result of the NHL lockout, Evander Kane joined Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). However, he 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, Evander Kane was traded by the Jets to the Buffalo Sabres.

February 26, 2018: Traded to San Jose Sharks

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

March 16, 2018: First NHL Hat-Trick with Sharks

On March 16, 2018, Evander Kane scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Calgary Flames as a member of the San Jose Sharks, and then later added a fourth goal, contributing more than half the goals in the Sharks 7–4 win.

May 24, 2018: Re-Signed with Sharks

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

January 5, 2020: Natural Hat Trick Against Capitals

On January 5, 2020, Evander Kane recorded a natural hat trick when the Sharks visited the Washington Capitals, scoring three straight goals in just over 10 minutes during the second period.

June 8, 2020: Kane co-founds the Hockey Diversity Alliance

On June 8, 2020, Evander Kane co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance with Akim Aliu to address intolerance and racism in hockey.

November 28, 2021: Placed on Waivers and Re-assigned to AHL

On November 28, 2021, after completing his suspension, the Sharks placed Evander Kane on waivers and re-assigned him to the AHL, joining the San Jose Barracuda.

January 27, 2022: Kane signs with the Edmonton Oilers

On January 27, 2022, Evander Kane signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The decision to sign Kane generated controversy but was defended by Connor McDavid, who viewed Kane as a valuable addition to the team's playoff aspirations.

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.

2022: Kane's performance in the 2022 season and playoffs

In 2022, Evander Kane debuted with the Oilers on January 29, scoring in a 7-2 victory. He played on the top line with McDavid and Puljujärvi, achieving a career-high shooting percentage and contributing to improved even-strength play. Kane concluded the regular season with 22 goals and 17 assists, helping the Oilers qualify for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. In the first round against the Kings, he recorded his first playoff hat trick, finishing with seven goals. During Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Avalanche, Kane cross-checked Nazem Kadri, resulting in a one-game suspension.