The Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday as he returned to his hometown team. The Oilers had received a fourth round pick in the 2025 draft.
What did Evander Kane say about Vancouver Canucks fanbase’s response?
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Evander Kane gave an honest response on the reception he received from the Vancouver Canucks fans.
Everybody seems incredibly welcoming. They want to have me here, which is a nice feeling. And, you know, when you feel wanted, you want to perform at your best. (as per Sportsnet)
Evander Kane even responded on the Canucks fanbase as he added,
The fan base here is fantastic. They're passionate, they love their hockey. I was a young kid growing up watching Markus Naslund and the Sedins (Daniel and Henrik), Todd Bertuzzi and Donald Brashear and on and on and on, cheering for them.
Not just this, Evander Kane said that many of his childhood friends have been the fans of Vancouver Canucks. He knowns what hockey means to the city and the franchise matters to the people there.
So I'm really privileged and honored to be part of that, he added.
Evander Kane did not feature during the regular season for the Edmonton Oilers as he underwent a sports hernia surgery and a knee injury. He made his much anticipated return in the playoffs, where he notched up 12 points in 21 games. Evander Kane had played for the Vancouver Giants from 2006 to 2009 during his junior hockey days.
Craig Button on Evander Kane's return to Vancouver Canucks
NHL analyst Craig Button did not hold back his words when he gave his honest thoughts on the Oilers decision to let go off Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks.
The move clears out $5.13 million in salary cap for the Oilers, but Button feels that they should have found a different way to keep in check the salary rather than trading one of their key players to their division rivals.
I get it, I don't like it for the Edmonton Oilers. Go clear cap space elsewhere, Button bluntly said on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait.
Button feels that the Oilers should have explored other ways to keep their salary cap in check rather than strengthening a direct competitor. He feels that the Oilers have put extra pressure on their stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl after trading Evander Kane.
97 and 29 overperformed, led that team in so many different ways to get to the level they do. And now again, less help for them. I don't like it, he said.
Craig Button feels that the Oilers have downgraded their roster in terms of last season. But, the Oilers loss is a gain for their division rivals Canucks as they will look to content in the wide-open Pacific division.