‘Considerable concern’ over Evander Kane injury
By Cory Buck
The Winnipeg Jets saw their star winger, Evander Kane, fall to injury in their 6-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. While Kane did return briefly to the game, it appears that the postgame prognosis, while still hazy, isn’t entirely positive. TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that there is ‘considerable concern‘ over the severity of Kane’s injury — which is currently being termed as a lower-body injury.
More from NHL
- NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
- NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
- NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
- NHL Rumors: Where things stand with Erik Karlsson, Penguins and Hurricanes
- NHL Rumors: Penguins nearly traded for Erik Karlsson at deadline
Especially concerning about that report should be the lower-body nature. While obviously vague, that could mean a knee or ankle injury, which is among the worst kind for a prolific goal scorer like Kane to suffer.
The Jets can hardly afford to lose Evander Kane during a season in which the team is hoping to prove critics wrong. Winnipeg has been widely seen as a fringe playoff team at best because of its lack of high end talent. Kane is just that and losing the 23-year-old 30-goal scorer would be a huge early blow to the team.
Winnipeg needs to rack up all the points it can get early in the season if it hopes to have any chance in the deep, talented Western Conference. While Blake Wheeler and others can certainly produce on offense, it’s the defense and goaltending that may require every hand the Jets can get on offense. Ondrej Pavelec has long struggled at the NHL level and the defense is still young and raw. Going without Kane for a long time could prove to be a death knell for the Jets, especially if the team can’t get its act together on defense.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26