The NHL concluded its gambling investigation into Evander Kane. It said that it found no evidence that the forward for San Jose Sharks had placed a bet on his own game.
Patterson Belknap Webb Webb & Tyler LLP and NHL Security conducted the investigation. The investigation was prompted by Deanna Kane's social media posts. Recently, the couple entered into divorce proceedings.
The NHL has declared this "specific matter closed", but the league said it will continue to investigate gambling allegations. Kane was also mentioned by the league as being under investigation for "unrelated allegations of possible wrongdoing" that were brought to its attention. The league didn't provide further details.
Front Office Sports reported Wednesday that Deanna Kane had filed a domestic violence restraining orders application. It included allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault. Kane's lawyer stated in a statement to Front Office Sports, "Evander denies ever abuse Ms. Kane and their daughter."
According to the NHL, the NHL's investigation into the gambling allegations included a thorough review of social media, public information and court filings -- both from Kane's bankruptcy proceedings as well as his pending divorce proceedings. The investigation also included a review and analysis of Sportsradar's sports betting data, as well as virtual and in-person interviews with Kane and other members of the Sharks team. According to the NHL, Deanna Kane "refused" to take part in the investigation.
Last week, Kane denied that he had ever bet on or played his own games. However, he did admit to a gambling addiction that caused him to accumulate huge personal debt. Kane stated to Cohn that he had sought professional help for his gambling addiction.
Evander Kane, a January bankruptcy filing listed $1.5million in gambling debts.
The NHL stated in a statement that there was no evidence that Ms. Kane had bet on NHL games or participated in other gambling activities. There also wasn't any evidence that Mr. Kane tried to win the games himself. The evidence is not in support of Ms. Kane's claims.
This week, the Sharks will open training camp. Kane, 30 years old, is entering his fourth year in a seven-year contract that pays $7 million per annum.
Kane spoke with Cohn about reports that his teammates don't want him back. Kane said that he didn't know or believe there was friction between teammates to the point that the Sharks would part ways with him.
Kane said that rumors had circulated about Kane being traded. "Well, they have a list of people that they cannot trade me to, and I haven’t been asked for it. So I won’t be traded. It would be my right to know."
