Edmonton Oilers cleared in NHL salary cap probe into Evander Kane LTIR situation

The NHL closed its investigation into the Edmonton Oilers’ use of long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for forward Evander Kane last season. After reviewing the team’s medical documentation and cap management, the league determined Edmonton did not violate salary cap rules.

This ruling means the Oilers will not face retroactive or future penalties, putting an end to speculation about potential cap circumvention.

NHL clears Edmonton Oilers in salary cap investigation after review of Evander Kane LTIR case

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the league found no wrongdoing by Edmonton in handling Kane’s extended LTIR placement. The concern stemmed from the timing of Kane’s surgeries, which included a sports hernia and abdominal repair before the season, followed by knee surgery in January.

These procedures sidelined him for the entire regular season, raising questions about whether the Oilers intentionally delayed medical action to gain cap relief.Despite the scrutiny, Edmonton’s actual use of LTIR flexibility was minimal. Kane was not placed on LTIR until just before the trade deadline, limiting the financial advantage the Oilers could have gained. Furthermore, Kane was not cleared to play at the very start of the postseason, which aligned with the medical recovery timeline the team provided.

The fact that he only returned in Game 2 of the opening-round series against the Kings reinforced the legitimacy of his absence.

Evander Kane’s playoff performance with Edmonton Oilers and trade to Vancouver Canucks

Kane made an immediate impact once he returned, recording six goals and 12 points in 21 playoff games as the Oilers advanced past Los Angeles. However, his tenure in Edmonton was short-lived. Following the playoffs, the Oilers dealt him to the Vancouver Canucks, moving the final year of his contract, which carried a $5.125 million cap hit, in exchange for a mid-round draft pick.The case highlights the NHL’s growing attention to LTIR usage, a system that has occasionally been criticized as a loophole for teams to bypass salary restrictions. With the rule set to tighten in upcoming seasons, the Oilers’ cleared record avoids what could have been a major setback heading into 2025-26.The NHL’s ruling ensures the Oilers enter the new season without penalties or lingering doubts about their cap compliance. For Edmonton, the outcome removes any potential controversy and allows the organization to focus on building momentum after Kane’s departure and preparing for another playoff push.Also Read: Carolina Hurricanes Add Veteran Forward Kevin Labanc to Training Camp Roster on PTO