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Edmonton Oilers coach gives clear answer on Evander Kane's Game 1 status

Preston Hodgkinson
Preston Hodgkinson
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Apr 20 2025, 8:12 pm
Edmonton Oilers coach gives clear answer on Evander Kane's Game 1 status
Bob Frid/Imagn Images

After weeks of speculation, we finally have an answer on whether or not Evander Kane will be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

The Edmonton Oilers’ power forward met with the media before the playoffs, where he gave a very positive update on his condition. Since then, he has been practicing with the team and was even on the ice Sunday afternoon ahead of the Oilers’ playoff opener against the LA Kings on Monday night.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch met with reporters after Sunday’s practice, where he gave one last health update on Kane before the playoffs begin.

“Evander Kane is not ready, close, but not ready, so he will not play Game 1,” Knoblauch told reporters.

Mattias Ekholm is expected to miss the entire first round with an injury, and defenceman Troy Stecher will also miss the start of the playoffs at least.

There was some good news for the Oilers, however, as it looks like Trent Frederic could potentially draw back into Edmonton’s lineup for Game 1. The 27-year-old trade deadline acquisition has been limited to just one game with the Oilers due to an injury.

Knoblauch said there is a chance he could suit up on Monday night.

“Frederic is still day-to-day and he is a possibility tomorrow, but has not been determined,” Knoblauch confirmed.

Veteran defence Brett Kulak was not on the ice for Sunday’s practice and was actually in Canmore, Alberta, for the birth of his new baby. Knoblauch confirmed that Kulak will make the trip back to L.A. in time to suit up in Game 1.

“His wife is due tomorrow morning, he is expected to join us and be on the ice tomorrow,” Knoblauch said.

As for lines, the Oilers revealed the first draft of their lineup on Friday, but did make a few tweaks to the bottom-six on Sunday.

Kasperi Kapanen has jumped up to the third line, where he skated with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at center and Jeff Skinner on the left wing. Adam Henrique, meanwhile, was playing in the fourth-line center spot with Mattias Janmark and Corey Perry on his flanks.

OilersTV’s Tony Brar had the full lineup from L.A. on Easter Sunday.

Stuart Skinner was in the starter’s net, indicating that he will get the nod in Game 1.

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