McDavid speaks on Oilers' interest in former Shark Kane

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Even after the Sharks' very public waiving of Evander Kane, it appears there are teams interested in bringing in the veteran winger.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland said Tuesday that he has spoken with Kane's agent, and that he is doing his due diligence.

"Well, I've talked to his agent," Holland said Tuesday (H/T Tim Campbell/NHL.com). "His agent is Dan Milstein and I know Dan very well because he was Pavel Datsyuk's agent. And I had lots of dealings with Dan Milstein. So I have talked to Dan Milstein, his agent.

"I would say to you, as a (general) manager it's my responsibility to investigate every situation, talk to managers. So I have talked to Dan."

Kane was put on waivers with intent to terminate his contract by the Sharks on Saturday, with the team's statement citing "breach of contract" and "violation of the AHL COVID-19 protocols." Kane's agent said publicly he expects him to have a new team by the end of the weekend.

Oilers captain and NHL star Connor McDavid also told reporters Wednesday that the team is aware of the process, and recognized Kane's talents on the ice.

"Obviously there is lots of talking going around. I've talked to Kenny and I think that's why everyone likes Kenny so much is because he is such an open book," McDavid said. "He keeps that open line of communication with his guys and we for sure know the situation.

"Truthfully, I don't think that's a bridge we really need to cross until something is more official," McDavid said. "Right now it's all speculation. Obviously Evander is an amazing player and he's had lots of success over the last couple of years and whatever else is going on, it's not something I look into much."

RELATED: Couture, Karlsson saying little on Kane's contract termination

Holland understands the issues Kane has faced away from the ice, which include beginning the 2021-22 season with a 21-game suspension over an NHL COVID-19 protocols violation. Kane had played five games with the Barracuda in the AHL, before going on the COVID-19 list Dec. 22. Before he could make his return to the active roster, Kane was waived with intent to terminate his contract on Jan. 8.

Kane has played 769 games in the NHL, including 212 in a Sharks uniform.

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