NHL teams
Katie Strang, ESPN.com 9y

Evander Kane absence tied to suit

NHL, Winnipeg Jets

Apparently it was more than just a fashion faux pas that led to Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane being scratched for Tuesday night's game in Vancouver.

According to a Sportsnet report, Kane was a no-show to the game because of an incident with teammates earlier that day.

It was originally reported in Winnipeg that Kane was punished for arriving to the rink Tuesday morning in a tracksuit rather than a formal dress suit, thereby violating the team dress code, but the Sportsnet report indicates that this was not the most serious transgression.

According to the report, teammate Dustin Byfuglien threw Kane's tracksuit into the shower after the team's morning skate, presumably to send a message about the breach of protocol.

Kane then failed to show up for the team bus and pregame meeting, according to the report. Although it was reported that, when finally reached by the Jets, Kane told the team he would not play Tuesday, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun that ultimately it was Winnipeg that told Kane not to show up.

Kane was on his way to the rink but was late getting there and the decision was made by the organization to make Kane a healthy scratch, so Kane was instructed to return to the team hotel, a team source told LeBrun.

The scratch came as a surprise, especially considering it happened in Kane's hometown of Vancouver, where he had earlier told the media he was excited to play.

Jets coach Paul Maurice declined to elaborate on his decision to scratch Kane.

Kane did not practice Thursday and was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 2. The earliest he is eligible to return is Feb. 10. According to the Sportsnet report, Kane has battled an injury throughout the year that could require season-ending surgery.

He has been dogged by trade rumors for the past few years, and his future with the Jets has been a constant source for debate. That is unlikely to abate with the ongoing situation, although it might make any potential suitors think twice if the claims in the report are accurate.

^ Back to Top ^