Evander Kane asks fans to keep open mind as controversial forward joins Oilers

Evander Kane knows signing with the Edmonton Oilers won't be a move universally loved by the team's fans.

Edmonton will be his fifth NHL city, and the Oilers the fourth franchise, for which the 30-year-old has played. There will be questions about his past — from suspensions due to violations of COVID protocols, a bankruptcy and self-confessed gambling problems. His contract was voided by the San Jose Sharks.

The biggest headlines of his career, though, came from allegations of abuse lodged by his ex-wife, which were not proven in court. Kane has custody of the former couple's daughter.

The Oilers brain trust and Kane met with the media Friday morning at Rogers Place to officially introduce the winger. Kane is on a deal with the Oilers — with a reported salary of $750,000 US and $625,000 in bonuses — that takes him to the end of this season, and nothing more.

Kane was asked what he'd say to the segment of Edmonton hockey fans who might not be happy he's joining the team.

"I want to clear up a lot of the misinformation, a lot of the storylines painting me in a certain light that are completely untrue, inaccurate and false," Kane said. "I would encourage [fans] to be open-minded, to allow me to do what I do best and get to know me on the ice, off the ice, around the rink, in the community, and see what I bring to the table.

"Every city I've been in, I've always worked in the community and done what I can to help make that city, that community a better place."

There's no denying Kane's pedigree on the ice. He's got 506 points in 769 games. But Kane has continually generated headlines for the wrong reasons.

In 2021-22, he was suspended 21 games by the NHL for violating COVID-19 protocols. He was investigated by the league