Report: Sharks tried to trade Kane, some teammates don't want him back

Several of Evander Kane's San Jose Sharks teammates would prefer he didn't play for the club in 2021-22, reports The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.

The Sharks reportedly tried to trade Kane earlier this offseason, and his uneasy relationship with a number of his teammates was a major reason why, Kurz adds.

The NHL is investigating Kane after his wife, Anna, said Saturday on Instagram that he threw games to support his gambling addiction. Kane denied the allegations Sunday. The league's probe is reportedly expected to be completed by training camp in September.

Meanwhile, the Hockey Diversity Alliance - which Kane helped create in June 2020 - placed him on voluntary leave Tuesday. Last summer, seven NHLers of color launched the organization - which seeks to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey - with Kane serving as a co-head alongside Akim Aliu.

Kane is under contract with the Sharks through 2024-25. The seven-year pact he inked with San Jose in 2018 carries a $7-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly. Kane is owed another $26 million in total salary over the life of the deal.

The 12-year veteran has a modified no-trade clause as part of that pact. It allows him to submit a list of just three teams to which he can be dealt.

Kane filed for bankruptcy in January. While the Sharks had the option to void his contract in the proceedings, they chose not to do so in March. Kane said in May that the bankruptcy filing was a "weight off" his back.

The winger, who turned 30 on Monday, collected a career-high 0.88 points per game in 2021. He notched 22 goals and 27 assists while playing all 56 contests.

Kane has been a Shark for three full seasons and the final 17 games of 2017-18, the latter of which he played after the Buffalo Sabres traded him to San Jose.