San Jose Sharks Place Evander Kane On Unconditional Waivers, Expected To Terminate Deal

The NHL has its own version of the Antonio Brown-vaccination saga: featuring San Jose Shark forward Evander Kane.

Announced Saturday, the Sharks are officially waiving Kane, with intentions to terminate his contract. Considering his demotion by the Sharks, playing with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, the player will head to unconditional waivers and not need to be bought out of his current agreement.

He signed with the Sharks in 2018 to the tune of a seven-year, $49 million deal.

After missing 21 games to start the new season due to faking a covid vaccine card, Kane was once again reprimanded for traveling to Vancouver with the Barracuda, knowing he had tested positive for COVID before flying out.

Avoiding a $7 million dollar cap hit, the Sharks are nixing Kane's AHL deal, citing a violation of "AHL COVID-19 protocols,” per the New York Post.

Kane's personal matters have recently appeared in the player's evaluation — battling a highly public and contentious separation with his wife and mother of one, as well as separate investigations for domestic violence allegations and illegal betting in 2021.

While the team no longer has to pay the outstanding amount of Kane's contract, the NHLPA claims it will appeal the decision — regardless of the limited support Kane has earned, thus far.

"We are aware of the San Jose Sharks' stated intent to terminate Evander Kane's contract," the NHLPA announced. "The NHLPA intends to challenge any such action by filing a grievance."

After filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2021, Kane's battle to squeeze the rest of his contract or reach a settlement is getting started.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela