Evander Kane's return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup isn't going to happen in Game 1.
The Oilers forward is unavailable for the opener of his team's series against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Sunday.
Kane has been out for the entire season due to multiple surgeries.
The 33-year-old veteran forward posted 24 goals and 20 assists through 77 games for the Oilers last season. He also made 20 playoff appearances.
"Just going off last year ... how I felt that year and what I was able to do, that gives me confidence with how I feel now," Kane said Monday when asked about how ready he feels for a potential return.
While Kane won't return on Monday, Knoblauch said that Trent Frederic is day-to-day and a possibility to play.
Frederic was acquired from the Boston Bruins ahead of the trade deadline, but an ankle injury delayed his Oilers debut until April 5, when he re-aggravated the ailment. The grinding forward has not played in a game since.
Meanwhile, Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak wasn't at practice on Sunday as he was back home in Canmore, Alta., where his wife is expected to give birth to their second child. Knoblauch said Kulak is expected to rejoin the team in L.A. for Game 1.
You can watch Game 1 between the Oilers and Kings on Monday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 10 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. MT.
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