Where do the Edmonton Oilers go from here? After yet another Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, Connor McDavid and company are left in utter disbelief. The past two NHL seasons were almost mirror images for the Oilers—though far from fond memories. Still, that might be all she wrote for one key teammate of McDavid.
The Oilers felt McDavid was destined to hoist his first Stanley Cup during the 2024-25 NHL season. Fans had been searching for signs everywhere to believe this year would finally snap the championship drought. Seek and you shall find, but those were just mere coincidences—the evidence was on the pudding, or rather on the ice.
Florida was simply better built to withstand the aches and pains of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Panthers had the Oilers dead to rights throughout the series, and not even McDavid could keep Edmonton afloat. After the loss, many believe the Oilers might be in the brink of losing much more than just a Final.
It definitely stings, it lingers, and it will stay that way for quite some time in Alberta’s capital. But there’s always next season, and the prospect of revamped hopes and faith. That is, at least, for McDavid. But for one of his teammates, this collapse might have been the end of the road of his time in Edmonton.
Evander Kane #91 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on against the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta.
According to reports, Evander Kane’s stay with McDavid and the Oilers is nearing its end. Kane will enter the final season of his four-year, $20.5M contract extension during the 2025-26 NHL campaign.
see also
Connor McDavid casts doubt on Kris Knoblauch’s future with candid statement after Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final loss vs Panthers
Paperwork
“In an effort to create additional salary cap space, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the name of Evander Kane pop up in the trade market this month,” insider David Pagnotta stated on his X account.
In addition to this report, other sources around the league have stated Trent Frederic is closing in on a long-term extension in Edmonton. The signing could also hint at Kane’s potential departure. “With Frederic extending long-term, Kane is as good as gone,” Oilers Daily said on X.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers takes to the ice prior to a game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
There’s a catch
While the Oilers might want to move on from the 30-year-old winger, Kane’s contract includes a 16-team trade list, which could complicate things. Moreover, Kane has earned a reputation in the NHL from which many teams might want to keep their distance.
Kane’s fiery personality was in full display during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, yet his production was missing in action. In Game 6, Kane received a game misconduct for slashing Matthew Tkachuk. He only added to the controversy by skipping the handshake line after the loss to the Panthers.
SurveyWhat should the Oilers do with Kane?
What should the Oilers do with Kane?
already voted 0 people
As the Oilers reportedly shop their second-liner, they might not have much leverage. Many teams might see Kane as a liability. Registering just one point in the Final while amassing 32 penalty minutes won’t do him any favors, either.
