9 Evander Kane LW

Sharks' Evander Kane: Finds twine twice

The 27-year-old is enjoying the start of his first full season with the Sharks, as he's scored in three of the first four games. With a lot of goals in a small sample size, Kane naturally has a high shooting percentage, but he's also averaging more than five shots on goal per night. Last season, Kane posted 4.7 shots on net in 17 games with the Sharks. The signs point to Kane experiencing his best season to date in 2018-19.

Sharks' Evander Kane: Scores goal in losing effort

Kane registered five shots in the contest, ultimately scoring on one of his attempts. Fresh off signing a long-term deal this offseason to remain in San Jose, Kane will be relied upon to provide consistent offense for a Sharks roster that has 2018-19 Cup aspirations. If he avoids injury, a second 30-goal season is well within the realm of possibility.

Sharks' Evander Kane: Top-line duty

Kane, 27, will be looking to prove doubters wrong in 2018-19. The oft-criticized forward signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Sharks this offseason, after they acquired him at last season's trade deadline. In 17 games with San Jose, Kane tallied 14 points, adding five more in nine postseason contests. If Kane stays healthy and avoids becoming a distraction, a 30-goal season could be in the Vancouver native's future (something he's done only once in his career, as a Jet back in 2011-12).

Sharks' Evander Kane: Secures long-term deal

This deal is on pace with market value, but it is a large monetary sum for a player that has averaged less than 40 points per season during his nine-year career, even if that's more reflective of his inability to stay healthy than anything else. The 2009 first-round pick spent his first eight seasons with rebuilding franchises that lacked playmakers, and his first taste of the postseason came this campaign. San Jose appeared to be the right fit. Kane managed 13 goals and six assists in 26 games with the Sharks, including the playoffs. The physical winger felt comfortable firing oodles of shots on net as well, ripping the puck 115 times to finish his Sharks stint with an 11.3 shooting percentage -- the best of his career. Signing Kane to an extension means the Sharks will send the Sabres a 2019 first-round pick, and it may make it more difficult to pen another deal for veteran center Joe Thornton.

Sharks' Evander Kane: Discloses injuries after loss

There's no reason not to believe that Kane had been playing hurt given how hockey players tend to tough out serious injuries with the Stanley Cup on the line, but Kane only missed one playoff contest -- Game 2 against Vegas -- and that was due to a suspension. Still, we'll have to see if any of the injuries he played through will require surgery. The agitating winger accumulated 54 regular-season points between the Sabres and Sharks this season, but after hanging three goals and a helper on the Ducks in the conference quarterfinals, Kane only had one goal representing his point total against Vegas in the conference semifinals. He'll be able to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer.