Of course he did.
He had all last summer to have abdominal surgery, but instead golfed and did all sorts of summer things that seemingly should require abdominal surgery to enjoy, and only days before camp did he have that surgery, which was to take him out for 3-4 months.
Then in late 2024, suddenly another knee surgery that would take his recovery then further up to just past the trade deadline. It was the plan all along if the Oilers were in a good spot early in the new year, that he has some elective surgery and they can add a player in the meantime.
Fully orchestrated timeline by Kane and the organization, last summer, and the second part of the plan in January, to basically have him paid all season, not play, and use LTIR on other players until the trade deadline.
It's amazing how blatant this was given the timing of both. Kane just needs the cash, which he got, and doesn't dare rock any boat, even if he cared about playing.
Spector of all people (though he was never a fan of the Kane signing) brings it up here from back in Jan.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...-than-answers/