LOS ANGELES — Evander Kane always believed he would play another NHL game.
On Wednesday, he will do just that.
The veteran 33-year-old winger is scheduled to be in the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers when they face the L.A. Kings in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Kane has been sidelined since June 10 of last year, after Edmonton lost 4-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Ten months later, the forward reported a “night and day” improvement in his health.
“I was always very confident that I`d be back playing,” Kane commented after Wednesday`s morning skate with Edmonton. “Obviously I was unsure when that was going to happen. But looking forward to tonight.”
Over the past year, Kane underwent surgeries to address injuries including both abductors, two hernias, two abdominal tears, and a knee injury.
Getting back into playing shape has been a lengthy process.
“I was prepared for, obviously, missing a good chunk of time with the injury I had, the surgery I had. So that wasn`t unexpected,” he stated. “But it`s nice to feel strong, nice to feel healthy. And I`m looking forward to getting on the ice.”
Kane skated on a line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman during Wednesday`s morning session and is slated to replace Jeff Skinner in the Oilers` lineup.
“He`ll be talking, he`ll be chatting, bringing some energy,” Nugent-Hopkins commented on his new linemate. “And I know he`ll be excited to get out there tonight, so it`ll be nice to have him on the wing.”
