The Edmonton Oilers have officially placed forward Evander Kane on long-term injured reserve, a move that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the NHL regular season. This strategic decision allows the Oilers to free up his $5.125 million salary from their salary cap, which comes as they prepare for the upcoming playoff push. The timing aligns with the recent acquisition of defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks, indicating a focused approach to bolster the team's defensive depth.

In addition to Walman, the Oilers previously added forward Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins, enhancing their size and physicality in the lineup. As of Friday, the Oilers sat second in the Pacific Division standings, demonstrating the effectiveness of their recent trades. The team appears to be gearing up for a strong finish as they aim for postseason success despite the challenge presented by Kane's absence.