NHL trade rumors: Evander Kane likely on the move as Oilers explore major shake-up after Stanley Cup loss

After a crushing loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers now face what could be their most pivotal offseason in years — and all signs point to big changes. Among them, star winger Evander Kane may soon be on the move as the franchise looks to create much-needed salary cap space.

Evander Kane emerges as top trade candidate in Edmonton’s reshuffle

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Kane’s name has surfaced as a likely trade chip, just days after the Oilers’ defeat to the Florida Panthers. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pagnotta reported:“Also on Oilers, in an effort to create additional salary cap space, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the names of Evander Kane (16-team trade list) and Viktor Arvidsson (full NMC) pop up in the trade market this month.”

Kane, who carries a $5.125 million cap hit, has one season remaining on the four-year, $20.5 million extension he signed in 2022. With Edmonton’s depth faltering during the Finals, Kane’s inconsistent playoff production may have tipped the scales toward parting ways — despite his value as a physical, top-six forward.

Oilers have limited cap space and major contracts to address

The Oilers enter the 2025 offseason with under $12 million in available cap space and a growing list of free agents.

Evan Bouchard, Connor Brown, Corey Perry, John Klingberg, and Jeff Skinner are all due new contracts. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid becomes eligible for an extension on July 1 — a storyline that could dominate NHL headlines for months.Keeping both McDavid and Leon Draisaitl happy and convinced they can win in Edmonton is a top priority. That likely means surrounding them with a deeper, more reliable supporting cast — even if it comes at the cost of moving on from well-known names like Kane and Arvidsson.Florida outclassed the Oilers from the start of the series, and the loss exposed serious flaws in Edmonton’s depth. While stars like McDavid and Draisaitl remain untouchable, few others on the roster can say the same.This offseason isn’t just about cap gymnastics — it’s about saving Edmonton’s championship window.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs eye Sam Bennett as potential Mitch Marner replacement in free agency shake-up