The San Jose Sharks will begin their NHL season on Thursday, but it remains unclear whether star forward Evander Kane will join the team after several reports came to light that he had a Chapter 7 bankruptcy of $ 26 earlier this month. , 8 million debt.
The Athletic reported for the first time on Tuesday, citing the lawsuit filed in California, which contained more than $ 10 million in assets – mostly in real estate – and liabilities of nearly $ 27 million.
NHL GAMES OUT OF A BUBBLE BY PANDEMY
The complaint notes that Kane may be able to opt out of the season due to health issues, despite missing the December deadline in the league.
“Debtor can terminate his contract and he can choose the season, as allowed under the current rules, due to health problems due to the recent birth of his first child,” the petition reads. “If he terminates his contract or decides at some point in the season, Debtor will not receive his salary.”
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Kane, 29, reportedly earned $ 52.9 million during his 11-year career. He recently signed a seven-year, $ 49 million contract with the Sharks in 2018. It is unclear from the filing where the debt came from, but Kane cited nine lawsuits and 47 creditors, claiming he has seven dependents.
He also had $ 1.5 million in gambling losses in the past year.
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Kane previously played for the Winnipeg Jets and the Buffalo Sabers before joining the Sharks. At 6 feet-2, 210 pounds, Kane has led the NHL in penalty minutes over the past two seasons.