Evander Kane May on LTIR to Begin Season

Bob Stauffer, an insider with the Edmonton Oilers and host of Oilers Now, tweeted that Evander Kane might require surgery and be placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve to start the 2024/2025 season.

This news contradicts a previous report from the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, which suggested Kane was healing well enough to be on the opening night roster.

Stauffer’s information is likely more reliable, given his close ties to the team.

The news about Kane’s potential surgery and LTIR placement has significant implications for the Oilers’ salary cap situation.

The team is currently over the cap limit by $354,167, with restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg still requiring new contracts.

Even if the Oilers assign Josh Brown and Troy Stecher to Bakersfield, they will still have barely enough cash to re-sign one of the young players.

Kane’s contract being placed on LTIR would provide some cap relief, but it’s unclear how long he would be out for and whether someone else would need to be moved at the trade deadline.

Kane’s injuries have been a concern for the Oilers, and his play has not been the same since the 2021/2022 season.

Fans have begun to turn on him, and it’s unclear if he will be a long-term top-six forward for the team.

However, when he’s healthy, he could be a valuable asset on the third line, potentially centered by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

In other news, NASCAR has released SMT data from the recent Cook Out 400 at Richmond, which provides insight into the controversial finish involving Austin Dillon and Denny Hamlin. The data shows that Dillon had his wheel turned to the right by -3.7 degrees on the green flag lap, but then turned it +33.9 degrees to the left and into Hamlin on the final lap.

While Dillon claimed the wreck was unintentional, the data suggests otherwise.

The incident has sparked debate about the legitimacy of NASCAR racing, with some fans questioning whether Dillon’s actions were intentional.

NASCAR manages analysis continually for the racing style, and this incident may lead to further scrutiny.

In the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers are sorting out their roster, with several camp battles ongoing.

Beanie Minister Jr. has gone from being a top contender at slot corner to being Grayland Arnold’s backup, and the winner of the position will be determined by how they handle their new roles and responsibilities.

Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of players using opportunities, citing Cory Instant Jr. as an example.

Tomlin also mentioned that he wants to see what the team’s backups can do, particularly rookie linebacker Payton Wilson.

Wilson has been impressive in preseason, leading the team with seven tackles, including one for loss, in the first game.

He will likely see more opportunities in practice, and the Steelers are interested in seeing how he develops. With Cole Holcomb’s injury keeping him out of preseason and possibly the start of the regular season, Wilson may have a significant role to play.