SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane is being investigated after allegations that he used a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, a source told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on Wednesday, confirming earlier reports.
According to a source, the investigation centers on whether Kane submitted a fraudulent vaccination card as well as on the domestic assault allegations made by his estranged wife, Anna Kane, in the recent divorce filing. The NHL has begun interviews on the case, and there is no timeline for a completion of the investigation.
It’s unclear whether Anna Kane is participating in the investigation. She did not participate in the league’s recent investigation on whether Kane gambled on NHL games, including some wagers placed against the Sharks.
Using a fake vaccination card is illegal in the United States and Canada and is against NHL rules.
Kane was cleared last month of the aforementioned allegations that he bet on NHL games, and the league said it found no evidence of that. Evander Kane was also accused by Anna Kane of physical and sexual abuse. He has denied those charges through his attorney.
With the process ongoing, Kane, who was not with the Sharks when training camp started, is remaining away from the team and the team facility as the regular season nears. The NHL’s COVID-19 protocol rules are vague, but sources suggest that the league would look to suspend Kane if it is proved that he produced a fake vaccination card.
The Sharks open on Oct. 16 vs. the Winnipeg Jets, and Kane, a high-priced veteran on a team that is in a rebuild, would be missed. He finished with 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 games last season on a team that did not make the postseason.
Kane, 30, is three seasons into a $49 million, seven-year contract. He’s with his third organization after being drafted by and debuting with Atlanta/Winnipeg and then a stint in Buffalo.
“It’s not ideal, but there is an ongoing investigation from the NHL,” general manager Doug Wilson said last month of Kane’s absence. “The focus has to be on our group here, the guys that are here today and the things that we can control, but also respect the process of dealing with some very serious allegations and some things that need to be addressed with the right process.”
The latest investigation was first reported by Front Office Sports.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.