Evander Kane discusses first day in AHL, a potential trade and misconceptions in the media

Following his first practice with his new teammates, the NHL's most controversial player was made available to the media. By the way he talked, you'd think it was just another day at the office for Evander Kane.

Kane said he had a great day, laughing and joking with his San Jose Barracuda teammates after being placed on waivers by San Jose and clearing without any takers. Despite his many off-ice issues, Kane seemed happy to be back playing hockey.

"I was sent down here to have some fun," said Kane. "Had a really good day today and, yeah, we'll see what happens.

When asked what he thought he needed to work on in order to get back to the big league, Kane insisted he hasn't and won't be changing a thing.

"I came in today the same person, same teammate, same player that I was and everything went great. I think there's a lot of misinformation that's been said. But I can only control how I act, how I do here, and that's what I'm doing," Kane said.

Kane is just returning from a 21 game suspension for passing in a fake vaccination card. One reporter asked if he could explain why he did that, but Kane didn't really want to talk about it, instead telling the reporter to refer to the NHL's press release on it.

"I'm fully vaccinated, and that's all I have to say about it."

Kane was blunt when asked if any members of the Sharks reached out to him during his suspension and demotion to the AHL, indicating that hasn't happened.

"No, I've been doing my own thing, getting myself prepared, and handling my business as I'm sure they have," Kane said.

At the same time, he insisted that reports regarding a strained relationship between him and his teammates are inaccurate, adding San Jose was really happy with his attitude and his play.

"It's funny, I had my end of the year meeting last year and it was nothing but positive, positive, positive," Kane said. "And how great I was with the young guys, how great of a season I had. But apparently something happened over the summer that I wasn't aware of, so it was all new to me and news to me. It was interesting."

Kane also indicated he was prepared for the long haul with the Barracuda if that's what it takes to get back to the NHL, saying he is under contract to the Sharks, was sent down by the team and will continue to show up. However, he also sounded like he expected something to happen quickly.

"I look forward to whatever happens over the next week or so," he said.

Kane was hesitant to say he would waive his modified no-trade clause that allows him to submit a list of five teams he's willing to be traded to. He said the clause is there for a reason and it's very nice to have.

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