Apr 30, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The NHLPA filed a grievance Monday over the termination of Evander Kane’s contract by the San Jose Sharks.
The Sharks officially terminated the veteran forward’s deal Sunday night after placing him on unconditional waivers Saturday. Kane went unclaimed.
The Sharks claim that Kane breached his NHL Standard Player Contract by violating the American Hockey League COVID-19 protocol. He served a 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card and was assigned to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda.
Kane was fully vaccinated before being reinstated, the team said. However, he traveled home to Vancouver while in COVID protocol last month in a violation of league rules, according to reports.
He was in the fourth season of a seven-year, $49 million contract signed in May 2018. He will forfeit $22.8 million. NHL contracts are guaranteed.
Kane, 30, is an unrestricted free agent and has reportedly garnered interest from many teams.
Kane led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games last season.
He has 264 goals and 242 assists in 769 career games for the Atlanta Thrashers (2009-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-15), Buffalo Sabres (2015-18) and Sharks.
–Field Level Media