Evander Kane exited Canucks season a little sooner than his teammates: report
There was one notable absence among Vancouver Canucks players at Friday’s season-ending media availability at Rogers Arena.
While even injured players like Thatcher Demko, Filip Chytil, and Derek Forbort spoke to the media, Evander Kane was nowhere to be seen.
In fact, we haven’t seen the East Van native in weeks.
Kane was also not present following the final home game of the season on April 14, when players presented game-worn jerseys to fans on the ice.
So, where was he?
Fans have been asking the same question, with a Reddit thread titled “Why has Evander Kane’s disappearance not been discussed?” gaining popularity.
Adam Foote was asked about Kane’s whereabouts before the final home game, with the Canucks coach saying he wouldn’t play unless the team got “walloped with some injuries.” He didn’t indicate that Kane had physically left the team.
CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reported over the weekend that Kane had his exit meeting a week early, and did his medical evaluation ahead of time also.
For those asking why Evander Kane didn’t meet with the media Friday.
Kane had his exit meeting with Patrik Alvin, Jim Rutherford and Adam Foote earlier last week before the team left for the final 2 road games.
He also did medical exit after the team returned from the trip.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 19, 2026
Kane appeared in 70 of the Canucks’ first 73 games this season, before achieving his 1,000th-game milestone on March 30 in Las Vegas. Kane proceeded to miss eight of the Canucks’ final nine games, with the exception being an April 4 home game where he was honoured for the games-played milestone.
1Kane. pic.twitter.com/YXHmANj3L5
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 4, 2026
It’s an unusual end to what is likely Kane’s one and only season with the Canucks, which saw him score 31 points (13-18-31) in 71 games.
We’ll see what the future holds for the 34-year-old pending unrestricted free agent.
Surely, he won’t be back with the rebuilding Canucks, who tried unsuccessfully to move him before the trade deadline. Will another team offer him a contract?