Trouble is brewing between the Oilers and Evander Kane, as there appears to now be a disagreement between the two sides over some key issues going forward. Evander Kane was a key producer for the Edmonton Oilers as recently as the 2024 playoffs, playing a major role when healthy. <a href='https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-evander-kane-elliotte-friedman?fbclid=IwY2xjawIy9ZlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQOnma2TUjbdukYvbNy5Bk46Ws7AOjEzb8Cvba1V3FoavvpGCdQL8fo4lA_aem_zvHHwMNaiauVVkNa1SEQNA' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Some unfortunate news has just surfaced</a> regarding his availability, though. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSNHockey/status/1896664310270902529'> </a></blockquote></div> Kane's injury has been plagued with uncertainty all season, from contradictory reports to not having a specific return date. Ideally, the Oilers would get him back for the playoffs, but holding him out until that point would also be strategically beneficial. By leaving <a href='https://puckpedia.com/player/evander-kane' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>his $5.1 million cap hit</a> on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), Edmonton would be in a position to use that room to add additional skill at the trade deadline for their 2025 Stanley Cup run. <h3>Elliotte Friedman says Kane disagrees with the Oilers plans for him</h3> That plan, though, appears uncertain now. On Sportsnet's '32 Thoughts' podcast, <a href='https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Elliotte Friedman</a> revealed that Kane absolutely wants to return before the playoffs, so his cap room might not be available for deadline business, essentially disagreeing with the Oilers' plans for him. With Kane, I think it's important for him to play. I think he wants to come back in the regular season, and he wants to prove that he can be a factor on a good team. I don't know what the medicals say. I know there's a disagreement. Everything he's been through, his body's been through, I just don't know that the Oilers feel that that makes sense. I just don't know. So at the very least, the Oilers are doing their due diligence. They got his list, and they're definitely calling around to ask the teams that he can be traded to, is there interest? And, you know, Kane has another year at just over a $5 million cap hit. - Elliotte Friedman <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/OilersNation/status/1896631555935838286'> </a></blockquote></div> In addition, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-could-be-trading-30-goal-star-player-before-this-week-deadline' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Friedman wrote that the Oilers are exploring trade options for Kane</a>. With his no-trade clause set to expire on Friday, Kane has provided a list of 16 teams that he would be willing to be traded to. I think basically if you're a contender, Kane will go to you. I heard his list is basically contenders where he can go to. He set it up to be in a place where he can win. That's what I've heard. Again, second hand. But I believe in the information. - Elliotte Friedman But here's the concerning part: Kane's enthusiasm to play in the regular season could decrease his trade value, both for the Oilers and any potential suitor.