‘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’ \u2014 Kane on nearing the 1,000-game NHL plateau<\/p>\n
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Published Mar 18, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n The magnitude of nearing a significant signpost on his long hockey highway isn\u2019t lost on Evander Kane.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. 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Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Maybe he becomes Corey Perry 2.0, the well-travelled hockey lifer who has seven teams on his resume at age 40.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a lot left in the tank,\u201d Kane stressed to Postmedia News. \u201cThere are lots of guys older than me who are still playing. Everybody likes to look at numbers and statistics, but there isn\u2019t a soul on our roster who would be happy. It\u2019s been difficult, but I want to make an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n Kane wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Canucks Report<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a little disappointing for sure,\u201d admitted Kane. \u201cIt was a situation that came right down to the wire and nothing materialized. At the same time, it\u2019s a good opportunity to have a strong finish to the season.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve 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\u2019t have to leave my kids and family and have a nice long summer to reset.\u201d<\/p>\n Which brings us to the here and now and what the 1,000-game celebration could and should mean.<\/p>\n It should reflect Kane\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if we have enough time for that,\u201d Kane said with a smirk. \u201cYou can ask anybody that and I\u2019m sure there would be a lot of things to share. Atlanta was great. I had a great time in Atlanta.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Kane was drafted by the Thrashers and found himself in a big city and on a bad team. He lived by himself. He didn\u2019t have a billet family \u2014 which was beyond belief \u2014 or that vital veteran for instruction and direction. It was a recipe for distractions and there were plenty.<\/p>\n Fast-forward and the spotlight is now finding the mature Kane for the right reasons.<\/p>\n \u201cIt goes by quick and you hear people tell you that all the time,\u201d Kane said of his career progression. \u201cI remember my first NHL game like it was yesterday (Oct. 3, 2009) and now 17 years in, so it (celebration) should be fun. I\u2019m more excited for my kids and parents to share the experience.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, obviously, being in Vancouver there will be a lot more friends and support,\u201d Kane added with a chuckle. \u201cWe have a lot of roots connected to the hockey community in Vancouver and my dad has been part of it for 30 years.<\/p>\n \u201cHe trained a lot of kids who I was on the ice with. It will be special and it\u2019s not really about me, it\u2019s about the people who helped get me here and make this moment actually happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to play well, too, personally,\u201d added Kane. \u201cI think I\u2019ve played well the last few games and I\u2019m building on that. Ive been trying to help the young guys all year and we\u2019re getting to a point where they\u2019re starting to understand and get it.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, when you go through a transition in the course of the season from trying to make the playoffs to a rebuild, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd 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\u2019t want to look back and wish I would have done that or had done this. Or, just going out for a beer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about stories. That\u2019s what you\u2019re going to remember the most.\u201d<\/p>\n bkuzma@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Canucks’ Nils Hoglander on his frustrating year: ‘I just want to play’<\/p>\n![\"alt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773848168_941_2263951091_301800431.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.8.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\"){kind=logo}
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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<\/p>\n![\"Nils](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2265189758_301884689.jpg\")
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