"Tough news for Oilers fans" "This is why they signed Skinner": NHL fans react to Evander Kane's recovery update

NHL fans received an update on Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane as insider Elliotte Friedman shared news about his recovery after surgery. Kane had the procedure in New York on Friday and Friedman reported that there is no exact timeline for his return, but Kane is expected to be out until January or February.

Kane needed surgery after he played with a sports hernia through last season. He had two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias and two torn lower abdominal muscles.

Fans reacted quickly on X (formerly Twitter).

“And this is why they signed Skinner.” One fan said, referencing Jeff Skinner who the Oilers acquired from the Buffalo Sabres.

"Tough news for oilers fans" another fan wrote.

"I'm sorry but this is so shady. No offense to Evander and his injuries but these injuries have been public knowledge since before the playoffs and he's only dealing with them as training camp opens? Did all the hernia specialist take the summer off? This league is so rigged." a fan wrote.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"CAP CIRCUMCISION. INVESTIGATE THE OILERS. THEYRE CHEATING THE CAP" a fan wrote.

"Directly from the Golden Knights LTIR playbook. lol 😂" another fan said.

"Evander Kane puts off surgery until start of training camp. Money well spent Edmonton" one fan wrote.

Fans are concerned for Kane’s health but are optimistic about the Oilers' roster. The team is adjusting without him under captain Connor McDavid.

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Oilers GM Stan Bowman talks about Evander Kane's return date

Evander Kane's recovery from surgery has no set timetable. On Wednesday, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman talked about his recovery timeline.

"He's going to be out for a while," Bowman said per NHL.com. "I don't want to speculate on that. I think our doctors will be able to give you a better handle on that, but he's not going to be here for a while."

Kane had a strong season last year as he scored 44 points (24 goals, 20 assists) in 77 regular season games. However, he missed the final five playoff games due to injuries. Kane is in the third year of a four-year $20.5 million contract.

Bowman also said the Oilers will not put Kane on long-term injured reserve unless necessary. The team signed forward Viktor Arvidsson in addition to Jeff Skinner to strengthen the roster. They will keep Kane on the regular roster for now, which will give them flexibility if other players get injured.