Evander Kane suspended 21 games for COVID violation

The NHL has finally concluded their lengthy investigation into the San Jose Sharks Wingman Evander Kane

Monday, the NHL officially announced that they will be suspending San Jose Sharks right-winger Evander Kane for 21 games. Kane, who was accused of providing a fake vaccination card, will be eligible to return to the ice after his suspension is up.

The Sharks are committed to Kane for another four years, including this season, as the forward is currently midway through a seven-year contract. He led the Sharks in all major scoring categories last season, with 22 goals, 27 assists and 49 points. He also led the team in goals in 2019, despite playing only 64 games.

The former Winnipeg Jet is also an extremely effective penalty killer, leading the team in short-handed goals and points, with two and four, respectively.

Evander Kane’s talent for the Sharks has been overshadowed recently.

As talented as Kane is, his career has been slowed and tarnished with several controversies and allegations.

This fake vaccination status controversy is only the latest in a long line of allegations and mistakes that includes allegations of domestic abuse (an allegation that the NHL claims can not be substantiated after investigation). Kane was also just cleared by the NHL for an allegation that he was betting on and throwing hockey games.

After Kane misses about a quarter of the regular season this year, the Sharks will likely be ready to put him back on the ice as soon as possible. San Jose, who opened their season with a win over the Winnipeg Jets, may not seem like a contender on the surface, but with a youthful and talented core led by veteran players who are effective on offense, they could turn some heads.