Evander Kane Shouldn't Be Gifted Top-Six Minutes

EDMONTON — Evander Kane is an important part of this Edmonton Oilers team – but the streaky play is incredibly tough to watch.

He’s either on-fire or Mr. Freeze, with little to no in-between. Last night against the Los Angeles Kings was no exception.

The Oilers need to have him contribute, even if he’s not scoring goals. There needs to be urgency in his game – he has skill, but if he’s throwing soft hits and not moving his feet, why is he being served top six minutes on a silver platter?

There is another Oiler who should take his position on the second line – Warren Foegele. He grinds every game. He battles hard, drives to the net and creates chances with his speed and tenacious play.

Warren Foegele. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having a reputation for being a tough customer, some of his hits look more like bear hugs. He’s definitely not hitting less – as he’s averaging 3.33 hits per game this year – and has been thrown over three hits a game his entire Oilers tenure.

Every player that puts on an Oilers jersey cares (and I firmly believe that) but Kane needs to show that he cares.

There is no doubt in my mind that Foegele cares. The word I keep coming back to for how his game was last night was tenacious. He’s competitive and played like a man who wanted his spot back on the second line.

Evander Kane Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Their point production this year isn’t that far off from each other. Kane has 35 points in 55 games and Foegele has 29 points in 56 games. But of course points is only part of the story.

Kane started the year with 20 points in 21 games – and has just 15 in his last 34 contests. Foegele had eight in his first 21 games and 21 points in his last 35 games.

No matter who the Oilers decide to have on the top two lines of the roster, those players need to set an example for the rest of the team. They need to show up and contribute in every way they can.

The Oilers know they can get more out of Kane, and perhaps a long look at the bottom end of the roster is exactly what he needs to shake out of his haze.

Kane shouldn’t be gifted top-six minutes, he should earn them like everyone else.

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