Evander Kane Heads to Russia to Sign With KHL
The unrestricted free agent is expected to finalize a Kontinental Hockey League contract within days, according to his agent.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hockey
Veteran forward Evander Kane is heading to Russia and is close to signing with a Kontinental Hockey League team, his agent Dan Milstein told Daily Faceoff on Wednesday. Kane, an unrestricted free agent, has not yet finalized the deal.
Why it matters
Kane's move takes a 17-season NHL veteran overseas after a free-agent period without a signed contract. An announcement of his KHL signing is expected over the next couple of days.
Kane's 13 goals and 31 points in 71 games last season with Vancouver are the most recent measured output in his NHL career. The specific KHL club and contract terms remain unannounced.
The players
Evander Kane
A 35-year-old forward who was drafted fourth overall in 2009 and has played for six NHL teams over a 17-season career, including the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks.
Dan Milstein
Evander Kane's agent, who confirmed the forward's move to Russia to Daily Faceoff.
The details
Agent Dan Milstein told Daily Faceoff that Kane is heading to Russia and that the two sides are 'very close' to signing with a KHL team. Kane, now 35, was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009 and has since played for six NHL franchises.
Timeline
2009: Kane is drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers.
Last season: Kane plays 71 games with the Vancouver Canucks.
Wednesday: Milstein confirms to Daily Faceoff that Kane is heading to Russia.
Over the next couple of days: An announcement of the KHL signing is expected.
Season Trajectory
Kane's move to the KHL follows a pattern in which veteran North American forwards without NHL contracts have turned to Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. The departure removes a 17-season veteran from the NHL free-agent market.
For fantasy and roster watchers, Kane's departure removes an unrestricted free agent from the NHL market. Kane's 31 points last season are the most recent production measure available for those tracking veteran forwards.
The takeaway
Veteran NHL players without a contract can still find professional opportunities overseas, and the KHL remains a destination for them. Readers tracking Kane's career should watch for the official team announcement.
What happens next
An announcement of Kane's KHL signing is expected over the next couple of days.
Further reading
Browse more coverage in our Hockey section for context on player movement across leagues.
