Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Evander Kane

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Evander Kane.

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

April 3, 2014: Accused of Assault

On April 3, 2014, Evander Kane was accused of assault after an incident in Vancouver and was later sued for financial damages.

February 3, 2015: Healthy Scratch Against Canucks

On February 3, 2015, Evander Kane was a healthy scratch against the Vancouver Canucks due to an incident with teammates.

October 2015: Felt Jets Did Not Have His Back

In October 2015, Evander Kane revealed he felt the Jets did not "have his back" throughout his legal and behavioral issues.

June 2016: Confrontations at a Buffalo Bar

In June 2016, while Evander Kane was a member of the Buffalo Sabres, he was allegedly involved in a fight with a bouncer at a bar called Bottoms Up. There were also accusations that he grabbed a woman by the throat and attempted to force her into a car outside the nightclub, as well as grabbing another woman by the arms inside the nightclub and attempting to force her outside.

July 1, 2016: Kane sued for alleged assault

On July 1, 2016, Evander Kane was sued by a 21-year-old woman accusing him of assault in his hotel room, alleging she was attacked after being invited to a party, resulting in cuts and bleeding that required surgeries.

July 2016: Kane surrenders to Buffalo police

In late July 2016, Evander Kane surrendered to Buffalo police following the incidents that occurred in June 2016 at a downtown Buffalo bar. The police reports included allegations of Kane grabbing an unnamed woman by the throat and attempting to force her into a car outside the nightclub. Sabres GM Tim Murray expressed his displeasure with Kane's off-ice behavior, noting its negative impact on both the player and the organization.

August 1, 2016: Kane pleads not guilty to trespassing and harassment charges

On August 1, 2016, Evander Kane pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal trespassing and four counts of non-criminal harassment following confrontations at a Buffalo bar in June 2016, while playing for the Buffalo Sabres.

April 26, 2018: One-Game Suspension

On April 26, 2018, Evander Kane received a one-game suspension for cross-checking Vegas Golden Knights forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.

November 4, 2019: Kane sued by The Cosmopolitan casino for gambling debt

On November 4, 2019, Evander Kane was sued by The Cosmopolitan casino in Las Vegas for a half-million-dollar gambling debt he allegedly incurred in April 2019. The casino claimed Kane received $500,000 in gambling markers and left without settling the debt.

2019: Suspended in Preseason

During the 2019-20 preseason, Evander Kane was suspended for the first three games of the regular season due to abusing officials.

February 14, 2020: Suspended for Elbowing Hit

On February 14, 2020, Evander Kane was suspended for three games after an elbowing hit in a game against the Winnipeg Jets.

January 11, 2021: Kane reportedly files for bankruptcy

On January 11, 2021, it was reported that Evander Kane filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy in California, amassing $26.8 million in debt.

January 2021: Kane listed gambling debts in bankruptcy filing

In a January 2021 bankruptcy filing, Evander Kane listed that he owed $1.5 million in gambling debts.

July 2021: Kane accused of betting on his own team's games

In July 2021, Evander Kane's estranged wife publicly accused him of betting on games involving his own team and "throwing games with bookies." The NHL launched an investigation. Kane denied the allegations, attributing them to distress from their divorce, and admitted to a gambling addiction.

August 2021: Kane receives temporary restraining order against ex-wife

In August 2021, Evander Kane received a temporary restraining order against his ex-wife, claiming she had physically abused him in the past and sought a permanent restraining order. The NHL announced an investigation into the domestic violence claims.

September 2021: Domestic violence restraining order filed against Kane

In September 2021, Evander Kane's ex-wife filed a domestic violence restraining order application, including accusations of sexual assault and domestic battery. Kane's attorney denied the allegations.

September 22, 2021: NHL releases findings on Kane's betting allegations

On September 22, 2021, the NHL released the findings of its investigation into allegations against Evander Kane, stating that it found no evidence of game betting and that the evidence raised doubts about the veracity of the allegations.

October 18, 2021: Suspended by NHL

On October 18, 2021, Evander Kane was suspended by the NHL for 21 games for violation of COVID-19 protocols.

January 8, 2022: Contract Termination

On January 8, 2022, it was announced that the Sharks had placed Evander Kane on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract due to violation of AHL COVID-19 protocols.

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.