NHL could issue big fine to Oilers over controversial roster move before Stanley Cup Final vs Panthers

After a solid season that included 48 wins and an impressive 16-game winning streak toward the end of the regular season, the Edmonton Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, during the playoffs leading up to their matchup against the Florida Panthers, a situation has emerged that has caught the NHL’s attention.

The loss to Florida in the postseason final seems to overshadow all previous analysis and shifts the focus toward the upcoming season, especially considering it was the Oilers’ second straight defeat in a league championship series. The NHL may now interfere with Edmonton’s plans for redemption.

In recent hours, the Oilers have been notified that the NHL is continuing to investigate their use of the Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) salary exemption with Evander Kane, who missed the entire regular season before returning for the playoffs. The situation could lead to a retroactive penalty.

Could the NHL fine the Oilers?

The league is examining whether Edmonton complied with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) when activating Kane right after the regular season ended. According to insider Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff.com, the Oilers could face retroactive sanctions if a CBA violation is found, something unprecedented in the salary cap era. However, the NHL has never penalized a team for using LTIR to activate a player for the playoffs.

Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before a game against the before the game against the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on June 02, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

It’s important to note that this is merely a possibility and not something that is set to happen imminently. On the other hand, the Oilers have been cooperative and have submitted all the required medical documentation to the league in an effort to clarify the situation and avoid any future penalties.

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NHL News: Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final loss vs Panthers reportedly seals fate for Connor McDavid’s key teammate

How much did Kane play this season?

Before the regular season began, Kane underwent surgeries on his abdomen and knee. Doctors had projected a long recovery, and it was speculated he might not be ready for the playoffs. However, the 33-year-old forward returned for Game 2 of the first round and played in every postseason game, including the Stanley Cup Final.