Holland: Oilers have spoken to Evander Kane's agent

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland confirmed Tuesday that he's spoken to Evander Kane's agent Dan Milstein.

"I believe in second chances. It's hard to be perfect," Holland said when asked what he'd focus on in a conversation with Kane.

Kane became an unrestricted free agent after the San Jose Sharks terminated the final four years of his contract Sunday. They placed him on unconditional waivers "for breach of his NHL Standard Player Contract and for violation of AHL COVID-19 protocols."

The 30-year-old is free to sign with any team whenever he wants, even while he awaits the result of the grievance the NHLPA reportedly filed on his behalf Sunday, sources told TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Milstein told LeBrun on Monday that there's lots of interest in his client from a number of teams. LeBrun added that Kane would sign a one-year deal for the rest of the season.

Kane is coming off his most productive campaign on a per-game basis. The left winger led the Sharks with 49 points in 56 games a season ago. Throughout his 12-year career, he's averaged 28 goals and 25 assists per 82 contests. Kane is known for playing a physical power-forward style.

If the Oilers did land Kane, it would likely represent the team's only major in-season splash. Holland said that he won't deal away any top prospects or high draft picks in exchange for rentals at this year's trade deadline.

"I wouldn't do that. I think the answer's in that locker room," Holland said.

The Oilers have just two wins in their last 13 games and rank 11th in the Western Conference in points percentage. While preventing goals has been Edmonton's primary problem, the Oilers have also had an issue with secondary scoring.