Evander Kane faces criticism from former San Jose Sharks teammate

Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Kurtis Gabriel has criticized Evander Kane, describing the player as a difficult teammate and a locker-room problem during the 2020-21 season.

Speaking on the San Jose Hockey Now podcast, Gabriel characterized Kane’s behavior as “absurd,” alleging that the forward routinely arrived late to team meetings and ignored established dress codes. Gabriel noted that the frustration within the Sharks' locker room was significant, stating he had never seen a player so talented whom the entire team wanted to get rid of. He also mentioned that veteran Brent Burns occasionally encouraged direct confrontation regarding Kane's tardiness.

While Gabriel acknowledged that Kane's actions might have stemmed from personal struggles, he described the player as a bully and noted that the team dynamic had reached a breaking point. These revelations come as Kane seeks new opportunities in the NHL following a recent season with the Vancouver Canucks.