Evander Kane has been dealing with a sports hernia during the regular season, and got hurt late in the Western Conference Final against Dallas, but the veteran forward continues to battle through and will play Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. PHOTO BY LEILA DEVLIN /Getty Images

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This in from Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer host of Oilers Now, his speculation on the future of winger Evander Kane. Kane has been rumoured to be heading out of Edmonton on a trade despite the fact Kane now has a No Movement Clause, which means he would have to OK any trade. Edmonton is looking to move out a player or two before the season starts as the Oilers are now $2.5 million over the NHL’s $88 million salary cap.

“The problem is you just can’t snap your fingers and move out Evander Kane,” Stauffer said, adding a moment later. “I got to tell you I don’t know how this is going to play out with Evander Kane because if they get the Evander Kane from two years ago that is a Top 6 forward. Realistically he has the physical skillset to be a 30-goal scorer in this league. And he has not done it a lot. He can score 20 in his sleep… But now the problem, there are two other guys (new signings) in the mix, Jeff Skinner, who has had six 30-goal season and Viktor Arvidsson, who has scored 30 and has had six 20 goal seasons.”

Kane who will be 33 this season, had 24 goals and 20 assists in 77 games last season, even as he played much of the season with a sports hernia. He had four goals and eight points in 20 playoff games, before debilitating injury made him unable to go in the last games of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida. It’s not yet been reported if his injury will require surgery. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported that Kane has not been asked by the Oilers to release the team from his No Movement Clause.

Kane has got two-years left on a deal that pays him $5.125 million per season, with the No Movement Clause in place until Feb. 28, 2025, when he can submit a 16 team approved trade list.