Evander Kane

In 2026, journalist/publisher Nik Richie and Hooman Abedi Karamian brought a declaratory action against Kane in the federal court for the Northern District of California amid a dispute over a protection order and content/interviews concerning the player's private life and former wife. The case raised arguments concerning freedom of expression and jurisdiction between courts.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In late August 2026, former teammate Kurtis Gabriel described Kane as a difficult presence in the Sharks' dressing room, accusing him in particular of regularly arriving late for meetings and calling him a "bully". Gabriel subsequently published, with what he said was her permission, a message attributed to Christina Marleau stating that Patrick Marleau strongly disliked Kane and avoided bringing his children into the dressing room when Kane was there.

State of the evidence

Allegations

In May 2026, Kane published a lengthy statement about his legal conflict with his former wife Anna Kane, accusing her of conducting a campaign of harassment, stalking and lies for more than five years, allegedly targeting his career, family and associates.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated

A woman accused Kane of sexual assault following an encounter in Buffalo in 2015. Police and prosecutors investigated, but no criminal charges were filed. The same woman subsequently brought a civil action, eventually settled in 2022.

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Sharks placed Kane on waivers and then terminated his contract, citing a violation of COVID protocols in the AHL and a material breach. The NHLPA challenged the termination through a grievance.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the Western Conference Final, Kane received a major penalty for checking Nazem Kadri into the boards. The Department of Player Safety suspended him for one game.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kane filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in the United States, declaring approximately 26,8 million dollars in liabilities against 10,2 million in assets and approximately 1,5 million dollars in recent gambling losses.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kane's estranged wife publicly alleged that he bet on NHL games and could manipulate his own performances. The league launched an extensive investigation.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In the context of their divorce, Kane's estranged wife made allegations of domestic violence. The NHL opened a parallel investigation.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The NHL suspended Kane without pay for 21 games for an established violation of and non-compliance with the league and players' union COVID-19 protocols. Several media outlets, including the Associated Press and ESPN, reported that the investigation concerned the alleged use or submission of false proof of vaccination.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Cosmopolitan sued Kane, alleging that approximately 500 000 dollars in gambling credit extended through casino markers had not been repaid.

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Department of Player Safety suspended Kane for three games for elbowing Neal Pionk; his repeat-offender status was taken into account.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kane was suspended without pay for three regular-season games for making physical contact with an official during a preseason game.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the 2018 playoffs, the NHL suspended Kane for one game for cross-checking Pierre-Édouard Bellemare in the head.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kane was arrested following allegations that he had grabbed several women and been involved in an altercation with a bouncer at a Buffalo bar. He faced charges including trespass and several harassment/disorderly conduct violations.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

After a Sabres game, Kane took a private plane to Toronto to attend the NBA All-Star Game. He subsequently overslept and missed practice the following day. Buffalo suspended him for the next game for violating a team rule.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kane was left out of the Jets' line-up after wearing a tracksuit instead of the formal attire required by the team. Media reports stated that teammates had thrown his clothes into a bathtub and that he subsequently failed to attend a pre-game meeting. The episode aggravated an already strained relationship with Winnipeg before his trade.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kane repeatedly posted photographs showing himself with large stacks of cash, including the famous "money phone" image and another in which he appeared to be doing press-ups over banknotes. These posts were criticised as provocative and insensitive.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Personally implicated

The NHL suspended Kane for two games for checking Clayton Stoner from behind.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated