From Kurt Leavins 9 Things Sept 15
Matt Savoie and Sam O'Reilly showcase their chemistry in Young Stars BOA
edmontonjournal.com
3. Evander Kane is facing surgery for the Sports Hernia that plagued him for much of last season and eventually sidelined him late in the playoffs. I respected Kane a lot for trying to tough it out. But it became apparent that he just could not answer the bell any further. These surgeries often required 10 weeks of rehabilitation. Depending on when the procedure actually happens, Kane could be sidelined until sometime in December, maybe later. No question, the club will miss him. Kane brings that rare mix of power forward, agitator and de-facto police officer that few others do.
2. Darnell Nurse has spent a long, hard summer in the gym. We learned just after the season ended that Nurse indeed had been battling through an injury. No surgery was required, which is always good news. But it means no less work. It may be even more so. Nurse has been back on skates. But I get the distinct feel that the club is in no rush to insert him into contact sessions where he could suffer a setback. If it were me, I would only look at Nurse in the lineup as the start of the regular season as an option…and not a sure thing. If the Oilers are to contend again this season they will need a healthy Nurse. And they will not win or lose the Stanley Cup in the first two or so games of the season. Give him the time he needs.