NHL insider raises alarm bells over Evander Kane's slow start to life in Vancouver

Evander Kane’s first season with his hometown Vancouver Canucks has started slow. The veteran winger joined Vancouver in June after a trade from the Edmonton Oilers. He missed the entire 2024-25 season due to hernia and abdominal and hip issues, which required surgery.

Kane has played 11 games this season, recording four assists and no goals, with a -4 rating. He is averaging 17 minutes of ice time per game. The Athletic's Thomas Drance raised some concerns on Wednesday about Kane’s form.

"Vancouver’s signature offseason acquisition, Evander Kane, has yet to score a goal, has arguably taken a few too many offensive-zone penalties and has yet to be a significant difference-maker," Drance wrote.

Drance also mentioned some weak defensive moments where Kane seemed inactive off the puck. However, he highlighted that some patience is needed after such a long absence and that Kane is still working to regain his full rhythm.

"The defensive side is a fairer area for criticism given Kane’s career-spanning defensive limitations," Drance wrote.

Despite Kane's slow start, Drance reminded fans he was not signed for early-season success. The winger is primarily known for his impact in pressure situations, which the Canucks will likely experience as the season progresses. Drance expects him to improve over time.

"We’ll have a better sense of Kane’s fit and the wisdom of Vancouver’s biggest summer acquisition 20-30 games down the line." Drance wrote.

Vancouver has a 5-6-0 record and is sixth in the Pacific Division. They have shown flashes of strong play but lack consistency and the team is hoping that Kane’s scoring will return soon.

Evander Kane and Canucks quiet night against Rangers

Evander Kane had a quiet game during the Vancouver Canucks' 2-0 loss to the NY Rangers on Wednesday. He had no points, just one shot and finished minus-two in 18:57 of ice time.

Mika Zibanejad scored first goal late in the first period after beating Kane on the backcheck. Sam Carrick scored an empty-net goal in the final minutes. Jonathan Quick made 23 saves for his 64th career shutout.

Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko said it was "disappointing" to lose.

"It was tight," Demko said after the game, via NHL..com. "We had a ton of loose pucks kind of laying around the crease there and just couldn't find one to put in the back of the net. But, yeah, it's disappointing."

Vancouver played without captain Quinn Hughes for the second straight game. The team has lost four of its last five games.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez