Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane could return to the lineup during the team's Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, according to Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch.
Kane, 33, has not played since Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final in June. He underwent surgery in September to repair two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias, and two torn lower abdominal muscles. Arthroscopic knee surgery followed in January.
Coach Knoblauch indicated Kane is a possibility to join the series soon. He mentioned Game 2, Game 3, or Game 4 as potential return dates. The Oilers met with reporters after a 6-5 loss in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.
The Oilers gave up six goals on 30 shots in the opening game, highlighting a potential need for reinforcements. Sportsnet’s Jack Michaels cited Knoblauch stating there is a "very good possibility" Kane could return for Game 2. [(Source)](https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/04/evening-notes-kane-klingberg-team-usa-backlund-alexeyev.html)
While Kane has not yet been cleared by doctors, Knoblauch expects him to play at some point in the series. He cautioned that targeting Game 2 immediately might be premature. [(Source)](https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44807943/edmonton-oilers-forward-evander-kane-return-round-1)
The Oilers and Kings series continued, with the teams tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 played on Tuesday. Game 5 occurred at Crypto.com Arena. [(Source)](https://www.newsweek.com/how-watch-oilers-vs-kings-game-5-live-stream-nhl-playoffs-tv-channel-2065847)
Knoblauch offered an optimistic assessment of Kane's current condition compared to his previous play.
"I think Evander looks better today than he did in the (Cup) Final series against Florida," Knoblauch said. "He's skating better, he's moving better, his agility, all that stuff. He looks more explosive. Yes, it's very difficult for a player to come back after a long stretch (out), but I think Evander has a little bit of an X-factor."