Report: Sharks, Evander Kane nearing seven-year extension

The San Jose Sharks and Evander Kane are reportedly closing in on a seven-year contract extension that would pay the winger $49.0 million ($7.0M AAV). 

The Sharks acquired Kane from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline this February, in a deal that sent forward Danny O’Regan, a conditional 2019 1st round pick and a conditional 2020 4th round pick to Buffalo. The condition on the first round pick hinged on whether or not Kane re-signed with the Sharks, which sounds like it could happen as soon as today—meaning Buffalo will indeed get the Sharks first round pick next summer. 

Kane is known to be a streaky scorer, but he performed very well upon his arrival in San Jose. The 26-year-old scored nine goals with five assists (14 points) in 17 games down the stretch—giving him 29 goals and 25 assists (54 points) in 78 games between San Jose and Buffalo. He fell one goal short of his career-high (30) set back in 2011-12, but has now scored 20-plus goals in three straight seasons and is tied for 36th in the NHL with 77 goals over that span. 

Kane showed great chemistry on the top-line with Joe Pavelski, posting a 56.11 CorsiFor%, 68.43 GoalsFor%, 62.67 ScoringChancesFor% and 71.13 HighDangerScoringChancesFor% in 226:09 together at 5v5. That duo figures to be intact to start next season and gives Kane definite 30-30 potential. 

Once this contract becomes official, Kane will be signed through the 2024-25 season and will turn 34-years-old during the summer that he becomes an unrestricted free agent.