Tonight a new report from NHL analyst Jim Matheson has revealed the possibility that the Edmonton Oilers might buy out Evander Kane's contract this summer. Heading into the NHL Trade Deadline <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/new-update-on-evander-kane-return-from-injury-makes-a-major-trade-more-likely-for-the-edmonton-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Evander Kane's future with the Edmonton Oilers was in serious doubt.</a> Several outlets speculated that the Oilers were trying to trade Kane before the deadline passed but ultimately kept him as he decided to go on Long-Term Injured Reserve. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSNRyanRishaug/status/1897726439128285244'> </a></blockquote></div> At 33 years old Kane is in the third season of a four-year contract with the Oilers meaning he will be back for the team next season regardless of how he looks once he returns from injury. With so much risk surrounding Kane and this ongoing injury that is hanging over the heads of the organization, it has continued to cloud his future with the Oilers. Tonight a report from Jim Matheson has started the discussion regarding a potential buyout of Kane's contract to free up a roster spot and salary cap space for next offseason. <h3>Reporter Urges The Edmonton Oilers To Consider Buying Out Evander Kane</h3> In a new article discussing potential offseason moves for the Edmonton Oilers reporter for the Edmonton Journal, Jim Matheson discussed the future of Kane in Edmonton. Matheson believes that this offseason the Oilers will and should heavily consider a buyout for Kane to give themselves the maximum amount of salary cap space to make a move. In the summer the Oilers could buy out Evander Kane ($5.125 million AAV, and they probably won't have Jeff Skinner back, so there's room to wheel and deal, but we'll see where they go with this. The Oilers of course have to prioritize re-signing Connor McDavid but then adding around the team's top stars will shortly after become the biggest priority for Stan Bowman and the front office. As the offseason approaches it will be interesting to see where Stan Bowman and the front office's priorities are and what they do to maximize their ability to make an impactful move this summer.