Kane returning to Oilers' lineup for Game 2 vs. Kings
Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane will play his first NHL game in almost a year in Wednesday's Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced.
Kane last suited up in Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. He missed the entire 2024-25 regular season after undergoing abdominal surgery in September and then knee surgery in January.
"It's night and day from the last time you saw me in a playoff game," Kane said, who was playing through injuries last postseason. "Hopefully it looks that way, at least."
The 33-year-old power forward recorded 24 goals, 20 assists, and 250 hits in 77 games with the Oilers last season. He added eight points in 20 playoff appearances.
Kane is expected to skate on Edmonton's second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, Knoblauch added.
"(Kane's) in a position to score goals," Knoblauch said. "Ryan's a good playmaker. You saw it numerous times throughout the year when he moved to center."
Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Corey Perry project to make up the top line.
Jeff Skinner is expected to be a healthy scratch.
Additionally, John Klingberg will draw in on the back end in place of Josh Brown. Klingberg hasn't played since March 27 due to a lower-body injury.