SAN JOSE (Calif.) -- Evander Kane, a San Jose Sharks forward, is under investigation after he was accused of using a fake COVID-19 vaccine card. A source confirmed earlier reports to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
Sources say the investigation centers on Kane's fraudulent vaccination card submission and on domestic assault allegations made against Kane by his ex-wife, Anna Kane in the divorce filing. Interviews have been started by the NHL on the case and there is no timetable for its completion.
It is not clear if Anna Kane is involved in the investigation. She didn't participate in the league’s recent investigation into Kane's gambling on NHL games, which included some wagers against the Sharks.
Fake vaccination cards are illegal in Canada and the United States. It is also against NHL rules.
Kane was exonerated last month from the allegations that Kane had placed bets on NHL games. The league also said that it did not find any evidence to support that. Anna Kane also charged Evander Kane with sexual and physical abuse. Through his attorney, he has denied these charges.
The process is ongoing and Kane, who wasn't with the Sharks at training camp, will be staying away from the team as the regular season approaches. Although the COVID-19 protocol rules of the NHL are not clear, sources indicate that Kane could be suspended if it was proven that he had a fake vaccine card.
The Sharks will open against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 16. Kane, a highly-priced veteran of a team in rebuilding, will be missed. In 56 games, Kane had 27 assists and 22 goals. This was a team that didn't make it to the playoffs.
Kane, 30 years old, is now three seasons into a seven-year, $49 million contract. After being drafted and playing in the debut with Atlanta/Winnipeg, Kane is now with his third team. He also played briefly in Buffalo.
General manager Doug Wilson stated last month that Kane's absence was "not ideal" but that there is an ongoing NHL investigation. "The focus must be on our group here, and the guys who are here today, and the things we can control. But, also, respect the process of dealing some very serious allegations, and some things that require to be addressed with the correct process."
Front Office Sports first reported the latest investigation.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
