Canucks Coffee: Why Evander Kane sees 1,000 career games as incentive

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‘I have a lot left in the tank. I’m more excited for my kids and parents to share the experience. It’s about the people who helped get me here’ — Kane on nearing the 1,000-game NHL plateau

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Published Mar 18, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 4 minute read

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alt text Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane scores on Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars during the first period at Rogers Arena on March 2. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesArticle content

The magnitude of nearing a significant signpost on his long hockey highway isn’t lost on Evander Kane.

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As the veteran Vancouver Canucks left-winger prepared to play in his 994th NHL game Tuesday at Rogers Arena, the east Vancouver product took stock of what has led to approaching 1,000 games on his odometer.

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There’s the good, the bad and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to remain relevant at age 34 with a hunger for more as an unrestricted free agent contemplating an uncertain future. He vows to keep playing, even after the strain of six NHL stops.

Maybe he becomes Corey Perry 2.0, the well-travelled hockey lifer who has seven teams on his resume at age 40.

“I have a lot left in the tank,” Kane stressed to Postmedia News. “There are lots of guys older than me who are still playing. Everybody likes to look at numbers and statistics, but there isn’t a soul on our roster who would be happy. It’s been difficult, but I want to make an impact.”

Kane wasn’t moved at the March 6 trade deadline, even though his game is tailored for the rigours of the post-season, but he also had a 16-team approved trade list.

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“It was a little disappointing for sure,” admitted Kane. “It was a situation that came right down to the wire and nothing materialized. At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to have a strong finish to the season.

“I’ve played a lot of hockey deep into the playoffs the last couple of years and there are pros and cons to take away from (deadline) situations. I don’t have to leave my kids and family and have a nice long summer to reset.”

Which brings us to the here and now and what the 1,000-game celebration could and should mean.

Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets tries to keep Canucks winger Evander Kane in check during a Nov. 8 meeting at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images

It should reflect Kane’s rise from the minor hockey ranks, to Vancouver Giants star, Memorial Cup champion and fourth-overall NHL Draft pick. It should salute those who guided, and also tolerated, a blossoming and brooding talent, who had to learn hard life lessons along the way.

The talent was never deniable, but his decorum on and off the ice often tested the patience. What would a 34-year-old Kane tell a 24-year-old Kane?

“I don’t know if we have enough time for that,” Kane said with a smirk. “You can ask anybody that and I’m sure there would be a lot of things to share. Atlanta was great. I had a great time in Atlanta.”

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Kane was drafted by the Thrashers and found himself in a big city and on a bad team. He lived by himself. He didn’t have a billet family — which was beyond belief — or that vital veteran for instruction and direction. It was a recipe for distractions and there were plenty.

Fast-forward and the spotlight is now finding the mature Kane for the right reasons.

“It goes by quick and you hear people tell you that all the time,” Kane said of his career progression. “I remember my first NHL game like it was yesterday (Oct. 3, 2009) and now 17 years in, so it (celebration) should be fun. I’m more excited for my kids and parents to share the experience.

“And, obviously, being in Vancouver there will be a lot more friends and support,” Kane added with a chuckle. “We have a lot of roots connected to the hockey community in Vancouver and my dad has been part of it for 30 years.

“He trained a lot of kids who I was on the ice with. It will be special and it’s not really about me, it’s about the people who helped get me here and make this moment actually happen.”

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The natural tendency for Kane is to pay it forward. Play mentor and help guide young players through the remaining 16 games this season, especially blossoming left-winger Liam Ohgren. But for Kane, that can be like putting the caboose at the front of the career train.

“I want to play well, too, personally,” added Kane. “I think I’ve played well the last few games and I’m building on that. Ive been trying to help the young guys all year and we’re getting to a point where they’re starting to understand and get it.

“Obviously, when you go through a transition in the course of the season from trying to make the playoffs to a rebuild, it’s a fine balance. Ohgren has some really good attributes and is a strong guy, who has a hard shot and can skate. A lot of likes about his skill set.

“And when I talk to these young guys, and having a tough season, you have to try and enjoy it and have some fun. You don’t want to look back and wish I would have done that or had done this. Or, just going out for a beer.

“It’s about stories. That’s what you’re going to remember the most.”

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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