Evander Kane Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 2 vs Kings

Evander Kane will make his season debut for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, after missing nearly a year due to multiple injuries and surgeries. Kane, a key power forward, last played in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final and had surgery to repair two hernias, two hip injuries, and two abdominal tears, followed by knee surgery in January. He is expected to strengthen the Oilers' lineup and was skating on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman during the morning skate. The return of Kane leads to Jeff Skinner being a healthy scratch, while coach Kris Knoblauch has also made other lineup adjustments, including John Klingberg replacing Josh Brown on defense. The Oilers are looking to even the series after a loss in Game 1, and Kane says he feels healthy and ready to contribute to the team's playoff push.