Edmonton Oilers players rumoured to be giving Evander Kane criticism

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Dawson McKenzie
April 8, 2024 (12:53)

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As the end of the season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are looking to get Evander Kane back up to his potential, and are using some harsh criticism to do so.

The Edmonton Oilers players have their focus on one thing, the NHL playoffs. That was made clear when Connor McDavid brushed off questions about his individual performance this season. However, they will need all players to buy into the mission in order to do so, and it appears that they are having some trouble getting Evander Kane to do so.

To combat this, Elliotte Friedman speculates that the criticism and 'tough love' Kane is receiving from fellow Oilers players is intentional, and aims to get him back up to his potential. Friedman noted the following on his 32 Thoughts podcast.

"I think they've just decided they are going to ride him until he gets there," speculated Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. "It's gonna be tough love and it's not gonna be the coach that's gonna do it, it's gonna be the players."

"My theory is that the Oilers know if they are gonna be successful in the playoffs, they need Evander Kane," said Friedman. "They need him, they need him. They don't just need him to just be moderately engaged, they need big pain in the ass Evander Kane, they need top forechecker in the league Evander Kane."

Kane was most recently seen getting yelled at by Corey Perry after seemingly a bad turnover in the offensive zone, as noted by Kevin Bieksa. This type of play is what Oilers players are likely trying to eliminate from Kane's game ahead of the playoffs.

We will see if there is any improvement come game 1 of the post-season this year.

As seen on Rumor: Oilers locker room giving Evander Kane 'tough love.'