The Sharks placed Evander Kane on waivers on Sunday with an AHL assignment in his future should he clear.
Kane, who has yet to play for the Sharks this year following a 21-game suspension for breaking COVID-19 protocols and a series of off-ice issues, has never played in the AHL. The 30-year-old has four years at a $7 million average annual value left on his contract.
The Post’s Larry Brooks reported on Saturday that one Eastern Conference team has expressed interest in trading for Kane. An AHL assignment could be a chance to scout the winger, given he reportedly hasn’t spent much time around the Sharks recently — and perhaps hasn’t even spent much time on the ice during his suspension.
The Sharks are believed to be willing to pick up half of Kane’s cap hit and money to part ways with him, per Brooks, and a player with his offensive acumen could help a team. But he’s reportedly an unpopular teammate and would carry lots of baggage.
Sharks assistant GM Joe Will told reporters Sunday afternoon that, if unclaimed, Kane will start practicing with the team’s AHL squad this week. There is no timeline for him to join the Sharks.
Will added that Kane is vaccinated, clearing up a potential hurdle to his joining another team. Kane’s suspension had been related to his alleged use of a fake vaccine card.
Kane’s suspension is set to end after San Jose’s game against the Blackhawks Sunday night.