NHL’s Evander Kane gets 21-game suspension for violating COVID-19 rules

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 games for violating the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

“The National Hockey League announced today that San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 regular-season games, without pay, for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocol,” the NHL said in a statement.

“Kane will not be eligible to play prior to San Jose’s game on Nov. 30,” the NHL added.

The @NHL announced today that @SanJoseSharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 regular-season games. https://t.co/2gGoptPkdV pic.twitter.com/U8HiGHKXdm

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 18, 2021

Earlier this month, it was reported that Kane was being investigated for allegedly submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, which is illegal in both the U.S. and Canada. The NHL did not say whether this was the violation that resulted in Kane’s suspension.

Front Office Sports reported in September that Kane was facing allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault from his estranged wife, Anna Kane.

The NHL also said “that its concurrent investigation into allegations of domestic abuse made against Kane by his estranged wife, Deanna, could not be substantiated.”

In a statement shared by the National Hockey League Players’ Association, Evander Kane said, “I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”

In August, it was reported that the NHL had launched an investigation into the forward after his wife wrote on social media that the player bid on his own games.

“How does the NHL let a compulsive gambling addict still play when he’s obviously throwing games to win money? Hmm maybe someone needs to address this,” she wrote, claiming that her husband had left for a European vacation when their home was being “taken by the bank” and that he had forced her to sell her wedding ring.