Oilers Escape Punishment as NHL Closes Investigation on Edmonton’s Suspicious LTIR Stunt With Evander Kane

The stress across the Edmonton Oilers is lastly over. Months of hypothesis, debate, and rumors about how the crew dealt with Evander Kane’s damage standing in the course of the 2024-25 marketing campaign ended Tuesday with an official NHL ruling: No self-discipline is coming, and the case is closed, Deputy Commissioner Invoice Daly mentioned.

Why Did the NHL Examine Evander Kane’s LTIR Placement?

The entire scenario caught the league’s consideration as a result of Edmonton used long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to clear cap area after Kane spent the common season recovering from stomach and groin surgical procedure earlier than camp, plus a knee operation in January. LTIR lets groups maintain the roster shifting when big-name gamers go down, however rivals and followers puzzled if the Oilers had been stretching the principles for a playoff run.

Invoice Daly says the Evander Kane LTIR matter is closed – no repercussions for the Oilers

— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) September 9, 2025

Kane’s fast return in Sport 2 in opposition to the Los Angeles Kings raised many questions. Executives and the media began investigating whether or not the Oilers gained an unfair benefit. In the course of the playoffs, Kane performed 21 video games, scoring six targets and including twelve factors, which solely put extra eyes on Edmonton’s LTIR method.

The Oilers spent Kane’s absence transforming the lineup, bringing in Trent Frederic and Jake whereas sustaining cap compliance for an extended playoff push. NHL officers checked out medical data and timelines to find out whether or not Edmonton had adopted each the letter and intent of the Collective Bargaining Settlement.

One other Invoice Daly tidbit: He emphatically famous that the NHL is trying into methods to shorten the time it takes to get by way of the primary spherical of the decentralized draft this 12 months. So hopefully it gained’t be 4 and a half hours once more

— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) September 9, 2025

Daly’s announcement made the scenario crystal clear: “The NHL is not going to self-discipline the Oilers and the case is closed.” Followers and league observers held their breath for months over potential penalties, however the league’s resolution confirmed Edmonton did all the things throughout the present guidelines.

What Does the Ruling Imply for Edmonton and the NHL?

Now that Oilers followers can calm down, the main target shifts to what comes subsequent. The NHL’s ruling fires up new debates about LTIR and cap flexibility. With extra groups utilizing LTIR to soak up accidents, the league’s resolution, whereas by the e book, highlights what some see as a loophole.

The distinction in cap guidelines between the common season and playoffs has sparked a push for change. The NHL is contemplating a postseason wage cap to restrict roster stacking as soon as the video games matter most.

Common Supervisor Patrik Allvin introduced at the moment that the #Canucks have acquired ahead Evander Kane from the Edmonton Oilers in change for a fourth-round decide within the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

DETAILS | https://t.co/YfsfBpywSW pic.twitter.com/8UIZeiMqd7
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 25, 2025

With Kane shifting to the Vancouver Canucks after a summer season commerce, he’s heading into the ultimate 12 months of his $20.5 million contract. He has playoff scoring, a contemporary begin, and a clear document following the NHL’s investigation.

The Oilers get to open coaching camp with the case firmly behind them, able to deal with goaltending, ahead depth, and cap administration. Edmonton is ready for the subsequent chapter, now not weighed down by questions from final season.