NHL Playoffs Rumor: In Game 2 against the Kings Kane might make his Oilers debut.

As the 2025 NHL Playoffs rage on, one story has captured the attention of hockey fans and insiders alike: the potential season debut of Evander Kane in Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. After months of rehabilitation, speculation, and cautious optimism, Kane could finally hit the ice in what promises to be a pivotal game.

This isn’t just a return. It’s a high-stakes decision that could define the trajectory of Edmonton’s playoff hopes.

Evander Kane hasn’t played a game since Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. That game turned out to be more than just another chapter in a grueling playoff campaign—it was a brutal physical turning point for the veteran winger.

Over the past year, Kane has undergone extensive medical treatment for an almost unthinkable combination of injuries. Torn hip adductors. Double hernias. Lower abdominal muscle tears. And finally, arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

For many players, one of those injuries could be season-ending. For Kane, it was a mountain of pain that he quietly climbed behind the scenes.

But according to recent updates from Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, Kane’s recovery has been nothing short of astonishing. “He’s moving better than we’ve seen in months,” Knoblauch noted in a press conference earlier this week. “There’s a real possibility we’ll see him back for Game 2, 3, or 4.”

Though he has yet to be medically cleared, the door is now cracked open—and that’s all Kane may need.

The Oilers dropped Game 1 to the Kings in a tightly contested matchup. The loss wasn’t devastating, but it did expose a few issues—most notably, a lack of grit and secondary scoring in the bottom six.

This is exactly where Kane’s potential return becomes so impactful.

At his best, Kane is a powerful skater, an aggressive forechecker, and a scorer with a nose for the net. His physicality often shifts the tone of games, and his ability to grind in the corners, win puck battles, and finish in tight spots is something Edmonton sorely missed in Game 1.

In the 2023-24 season, Kane registered 24 goals and 20 assists in 77 games, adding another eight points in 20 playoff contests. These aren’t eye-popping numbers, but context is everything. He played through lingering pain for much of that season and was still a dependable middle-six contributor.

With him back in the lineup, the Oilers could slide into a more balanced formation—allowing key players like McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman more flexibility and less defensive burden.

Despite the optimism, some are questioning whether this is the right time to bring Kane back. There’s a world of difference between being “close to ready” and being battle-ready for playoff hockey. The Kings aren’t a team that takes it easy on recovering players.

L.A. has one of the more physical forward groups in the West. Their relentless forecheck and punishing style could put Kane’s durability to the test immediately. If he’s not fully healthy, it’s not just a matter of ineffective play—it could risk re-injury or long-term complications.

Knoblauch and the medical staff have remained cautious. “No decision has been made,” the coach repeated multiple times during media scrums. “We want him back, but we want him back the right way.”

If Kane plays and looks out of place, it could swing momentum even further toward the Kings. But if he performs well, it might just ignite the Oilers’ locker room.

If Kane returns, where would he slot in?

The most likely scenario has him starting on the third line to ease into game shape, potentially with Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele. This setup would allow Kane to play physical, high-impact shifts without being overexposed. It also keeps the Oilers’ top two lines intact—a strategic move given their chemistry and scoring potential.

Another option could see Kane on the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl. This would be a more aggressive gamble but could maximize his offensive upside if he’s feeling sharp. Draisaitl’s vision and Kane’s net-front presence could be a nightmare for the Kings’ second defensive pairing.

Additionally, Kane is a valuable piece on the second power-play unit. His ability to screen the goalie and battle in the crease gives Edmonton another look when their top unit needs rest.

Kane brings more than just skill and grit. He brings playoff experience and a swagger that’s been missing from Edmonton’s lineup since he went down.

In tight series like this one, momentum can hinge on intangibles. Kane is a player who can throw a big hit, fire up the bench, and shift the narrative with one key moment—be it a goal, a fight, or a hustle play that energizes the fans at Rogers Place.

Teammates like Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse have openly praised Kane’s role as a locker room presence. “He’s one of those guys who’s always engaged,” McDavid said. “We’ve missed having him around every day.”

From L.A.’s bench, Kane’s possible return presents a tactical dilemma. Do they game-plan for him or assume he’ll be scratched? Do they assign a shadow defender or adjust their forecheck to pressure him early?

Coach Todd McLellan has faced Kane before—dating back to his time coaching the Sharks—and knows exactly how disruptive Kane can be when he’s engaged.

If Kane does return, expect the Kings to target him physically, hoping to test his conditioning and mobility. Whether that plays into Edmonton’s hands or backfires remains to be seen.

Oilers fans have been vocal on social media and in local press. Some are calling for Kane to return as soon as possible, even if it’s in a limited role. Others urge caution, pointing to the franchise’s long-term needs.

“It’s now or never,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “You don’t keep a healthy Kane in the press box when we’re trying to avoid going down 0–2.”

Conversely, others argued, “If he’s not 100%, don’t risk him. We need him for the long haul, not just one game.”

This tension between urgency and patience reflects the high stakes facing the Oilers organization.

If Kane returns and makes an impact, his story will join a long list of legendary playoff comebacks. Think of Steve Yzerman playing through a torn knee in 2002. Or Patrice Bergeron with broken ribs and a separated shoulder in 2013.

These are moments that define careers—and galvanize teams.

Kane has long wanted a shot at redemption after last season’s heartbreak. Game 2 could be his moment to write a new chapter.

Game 2 is more than just another contest—it’s a tone-setter. The Oilers cannot afford to go down 0–2 heading to Los Angeles. If Kane is ready, even in a limited capacity, his presence could provide the psychological lift this team desperately needs.

But the stakes are massive. A premature return could endanger his health and disrupt chemistry. A successful return could shift the series and change the conversation around the Oilers’ playoff potential.