Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane will not play in Sunday’s game in Ottawa, sitting out against the Senators with what head coach Kris Knoblauch described as a “maintenance day.”

The Oilers are playing in the second game of a back-to-back weekend, having lost 6-3 to the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday night.

Kane has 21 goals in and 39 points in 67 games this season. He played in 15:21 minutes in the loss to the Leafs.

Meanwhile, the Oilers are starting Calvin Pickard in net. He replaced Stuart Skinner in the third period in Toronto.

The Oilers take on the Senators at 6 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. MT. That game can be seen on Sporsnet West and Sportsnet+.

The Edmonton Oilers have made the decision to bench forward Evander Kane for their upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators. This move comes after Kane violated the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols by reportedly presenting a fake vaccination card.

Kane’s actions have not only put himself at risk but also his teammates and opponents. The NHL has strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of all players and staff, and violating these rules is a serious offense.

This is not the first time Kane has found himself in hot water. He has a history of off-ice issues, including allegations of domestic abuse and bankruptcy. His behavior has raised concerns about his character and whether he is a good fit for the Oilers organization.

By benching Kane, the Oilers are sending a clear message that they do not tolerate irresponsible behavior. It also shows that they are prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved in the league.

It remains to be seen how this decision will impact Kane’s future with the team. He is a talented player, but his off-ice issues have overshadowed his on-ice performance. The Oilers will need to carefully consider whether he is worth the trouble or if it is time to part ways.

In the meantime, Kane will have to sit out the game against the Senators and face the consequences of his actions. Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call for him to make better choices in the future.