Oilers announce Kane, Campbell and Kulak signings
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Evander Kane, goalie Jack Campbell and defenceman Brett Kulak to start NHL free agency on Wednesday.
Kane inked a four-year, US$5.125 million per year extension. Campbell signed a five-year, $5 million average annual value deal. And Kulak signed a four-year contract worth $2.75 million a season.
Kane, 30, broke the news with a message on social media late Tuesday night: "I'm back."
"A big part of my decision to stay in Edmonton was because of the opportunity given to me only 7 months ago but also the chance to be apart [sic] of a championship team. I want to win, and I believe after signing this deal we will be able to add the right pieces along with myself to accomplish that goal, a championship," wrote Kane, signing off with his jersey number, 91.
Kane signed with Edmonton in January after the San Jose Sharks terminated the remainder of his seven-year, $49-million contract for violating COVID-19 protocols while in the American Hockey League. Kane has challenged the Sharks’ decision by filing a grievance through the NHL Players’ Association.
Earlier last season, he was suspended by San Jose for 21 games for submitting a fake vaccine card.
Kane topped 20 goals for the eighth time in 13 NHL seasons by scoring 22 goals and 39 points in 43 games with Edmonton. Oilers general manager Ken Holland last week said he was having daily conversations in a bid to re-sign Kane, despite the team permitting Kane to talk to other teams before the free agency period began.
"Evander wants to be in Edmonton; he wants to play for the Edmonton Oilers," Holland told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
"He fit in real well … everybody in that locker room wanted him back. They made that very clear to me. They felt we were a much better team with Evander on the team."
Bringing Kane and Kulak back, and with the addition of Campbell, Holland feels the Oilers can compete for the Stanley Cup after they finished in the final four last season.
Even though the general manager doesn't expect goalie Mike Smith to play this season, he's excited about the team's goaltending situation. Holland foresees Campbell playing about 50 games and Stuart Skinner playing around 30 games.
Campbell spent the last three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Last year, the 30-year-old played a career-high 49 games and posted a 31-9-6 record with a save percentage of .914.
Kulak, a 28-year-old defenceman from the Edmonton area, came from the Montreal Canadiens mid-season and scored eight points in 18 regular-season games.
Holland thought Kulak did well after the trade and said he's respected in the locker room.
"It's hard to find defencemen … he was important to get back. You think at the end of the year, Duncan Keith is retiring and if you lose Brett Kulak, you would've been in a big hole. I'm very happy today that Brett's back."
His priorities are done but Holland told reporters he still has more work to do.
"Now I gotta sort out the rest of the roster."
With files from Alex Antoneshyn and The Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.