The NHL has suspended San Jose Sharks forward, Evander Kane, for 21 games, for violation of COVID protocols. The decision came early Monday evening.
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NHL Suspends Evander Kane
Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 games, without pay, “for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocol.”He will be suspended until November 30.
Reports had come out during the Sharks training camp that Kane was being investigated for using a fake vaccination card. The NHL has not specified whether Kane had in fact obtained a false vaccination card. Possessing one is an illegal act in both Canada and the United States.
He’s currently listed by the club as non-roster player. The Vancouver, British Columbia native had 22 goals and 49 points in 56 games last year. He has played for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres and the Sharks in his 12-year NHL career.
Off-Season Distraction
Since the end of last season, Kane has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. He has been facing various allegations from his estranged wife, Anna, over the last few months. The Sharks winger had most recently been cleared of the allegations made that he was betting on his own games.
That comes after the league looked into allegations of abuse and said: “that its concurrent investigation into allegations of domestic abuse made against Kane by his estranged wife, Anna, could not be substantiated.” Kane did not suit up for the Sharks’ opener and now will be out for the first quarter of the season.
His offensive presence will be missed for the rebuilding Sharks. However, his absence from the team will surely bring relief from all the distractions his off-ice issues have caused. His 21-game suspension will provide plenty of opportunity for the younger players on the Sharks roster to showcase their talents. Rookies William Eklund and Jasper Weatherby had productive starts to their NHL careers after posting a combined 3 points between them in the Sharks 4-3 win against the Jets to start the year.
