What the San Jose Sharks are saying about Evander Kane being on waivers

CHICAGO — Sharks players and coaches received a certain amount of closure to the Evander Kane saga Sunday after the veteran forward was placed on waivers by the organization.

If Kane isn’t claimed by another team by Monday, he will be assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate.

The Sharks have said throughout Kane’s suspension and absence from the team that they’re simply trying to keep their focus on playing. They maintained that sentiment before their game with the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center.

“I’ve said this before, but I think that management’s done a really good job limiting distractions for the players and for the staff, and this announcement today is just another example of that.” coach Bob Boughner said.

“I think that we like what we have in our room. We’ve built a pretty good atmosphere and culture and we’re going to continue to do that. This sort of allows us to put this behind us a little bit. It wasn’t a big subject in our room to begin with, but it is nice that we’re moving on.”

Sharks captain Logan Couture said players were appraised of what the team’s plans were for Kane, who has said that he will report to the Barracuda for their practice at Sharks Ice on Tuesday. Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will has taken over day-to-day managerial duties from Doug Wilson, who is on a temporary medical leave of absence.

“Management, whether it’s Joe or Doug, has been in contact with players throughout the process,” Couture said. “Obviously, Doug’s going through his own stuff right now. So it’s more so Joe in the last little while. They’ve kept us up to speed.”

Boughner added, “There had to be a lot trust, right? We were going to trust the management that they were going to do their due diligence and their job, and it just works downhill.

“I have a job to do with the players to get the team ready every night and to keep their focus. The players, they’ve got to keep that dressing room tight, and I think everybody’s done a real good job. I don’t think it was a distraction not saying anything or not having an earlier announcement on this because there’s obviously a lot of things involved in a decision this big.”

Asked if there’s a path for Kane to return to the team, Couture said: “That’s not our call. We’re focused on what we can control and that’s playing hockey and trying to win hockey games and starting off a tough road trip the right way.”

The Sharks continue their road trip with games against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, the New York Islanders on Thursday, the New York Rangers on Friday, and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.

“Our focus is for the game tonight and the games ahead. That what matters right now, because we badly need the points,” Sharks center Tomas Hertl said.