When you’re competing for the Stanley Cup, it’s all about winning. That was the Edmonton Oilers’ goal this year. “We have a different mood. Last year, we didn’t know what to expect… The biggest change is we’ve been here before,” said coach Kris Knoblauch ahead of the final series. Yet, when only a few minutes of regulation time separated Florida from back-to-back Stanley Cups in Game 6, Evander Kane didn’t show grace in defeat.

The winger’s frustration boiled up to the surface as the Panthers were ahead 5-1, and there was no time to turn things around. And in those dying minutes of another failed attempt to topple Florida in the finals, Kane hit Matthew Tkachuk with his stick. The intentional infraction earned the Oilers’ star a 10-minute major misconduct, effectively ending his night. If that wasn’t bad enough, his absence during the customary handshake shocked the hockey world.

And now, days after that fateful event and his departure from the Edmonton Oilers, Evander Kane has finally spoken up. “Character is a word that likes to get tossed out very casually,” Kane said on Thursday, as per Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. “You know, it can be often used as a weapon when describing somebody,” said Kane as he spoke in Vancouver, as a Vancouver Canuck.

While the NHL winger didn’t attempt to defend his action, he clarified that it’s something he intends to leave behind. Most importantly, the 33-year-old intends to learn from. “I think what real character is, is somebody who shows you who they are when there’s scrutiny and adversity, and how they handle that,” added Evander Kane. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time for Kane.

In 2022, Kane earned a suspension for boarding Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. In fact, you don’t even have to go back that far. The 33-year-old earned a 10-minute misconduct in their 6-1 Game 3 loss against the Panthers in this year’s Stanley Cup final.

Kane snuck in a cheeky strike to the face of Panthers’ forward Carter Verhaeghe with 6:05 left in the third. Although it’s crystal clear that while Kane is remorseful for his misconduct, he has no regrets for his time with the Oilers.

Evan Kane’s grateful message to the Oilers

While news of the veteran forward’s trade didn’t come with a buildup, many had predicted the outcome. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period wrote about anticipating the trade just days before the Oilers traded Kane to the Canucks. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see the names of Evander Kane (16-team trade list) and Viktor Arvidsson (full NMC) pop up in the trade market this month,” he wrote on X.

Thankfully, Evander Kane only focused on the good despite his controversial final Oilers game. “I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the entire organization, my teammates, and the incredible community of Edmonton,” said the NHL forward. What’s more? Kane spoke or his family, too. The 33-year-old added, “My family and I have built some incredible relationships that will last forever.”

The hockey forward also shouted out to the fans while signing off. “To the fans—thank you for embracing me and showing unwavering support,” the forward wrote in his official goodbye to Edmonton. Kane also spoke about the bright future with the Canucks, clearly indicating that this was a trade that the Oilers and the winger wanted.

“Vancouver is a city that lives and breathes hockey; I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of my hometown as I did many years ago as a Vancouver Giant,” Evander Kane said about what he saw as a homecoming. And it was a win-win situation because while the 33-year-old returned to Vancouver, the Oilers gained some much-needed cap space as they plan to revamp the team.