On Monday evening, the NHL announced a 21-game suspension for San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane for violating league COVID protocols. The league announced that Kane will be without pay during his suspension and it is being reported that Kane will not appeal the suspension. The league also announced that the sexual assault and domestic violence allegations against Kane by his ex-wife could not be substantiated.
The @NHL announced today that @SanJoseSharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 regular-season games. https://t.co/2gGoptPkdV pic.twitter.com/U8HiGHKXdm
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 18, 2021
In a statement released by the NHLPA, Kane apologized, said he is in counseling, and wishes to continue his career once his suspension is over.
Statement from Evander Kane after his 21-game suspension for a COVID protocol violation. pic.twitter.com/jSE9dWvVpu
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) October 18, 2021
The San Jose Sharks also released a statement following the suspension, stating their disappointment in Kane and would not comment on his status until the suspension is over.
Statement from the San Jose Sharks. pic.twitter.com/P25XxpiJgH
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 18, 2021
Kane was reportedly being investigated by the league over allegations that he submitted a fake COVID-19 vaccination card to both the San Jose Sharks and the NHL. While there is no vaccination mandate by the league, restrictions for vaccinated players are far less-stringent than for those unvaccinated, which the league says is now less than a dozen players. The suspension continues a dramatic stretch of events for the Sharks forward which began with allegations that he was betting on NHL games, including his own, as well as allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault, all of which were first made by his ex-wife, Anna, in an instagram post. Now both of those claims have been “cleared” by the NHL’s investigations.
Kane did not take part in Sharks training camp and has not played in a game for San Jose this season. He’ll be able to return to the team on for San Jose’s November 30th game against the New Jersey Devils.