Sometimes a hockey reunion just doesn’t work out. Evander Kane returned home to Vancouver hoping to give the Canucks a little more experience, toughness and scoring. Instead, his homecoming turned into a disappointing chapter, and now he’s apparently heading to Russia to continue his career.

Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein, says the 35-year-old forward is close to signing with a KHL team, with an announcement expected soon. He reportedly considered a few options in North America before deciding that Europe was the next stop.

What Can Russia Offer Kane?

I find this move interesting for a couple of reasons. First, Kane isn’t exactly a player who should lack confidence. He’s played 1,000 NHL games, scored plenty of goals and has spent years playing against some of the best players in the world. But his Vancouver season didn’t do much to convince NHL teams that he still has a major role to play.

He finished with 13 goals and 18 assists in 71 games. Those aren’t terrible numbers for every player, but the Canucks were hoping for more. He also finished minus-20, despite getting considerable opportunity alongside Elias Pettersson. Vancouver even gave his agent permission to explore a trade, but nothing came together before the deadline.

Why Kane’s Vancouver Homecoming Is a Little Sad

There’s something a little sad about that. Kane was coming home. He reached the 1,000-game milestone in a Canucks uniform, scored in that game against Vegas and received a silver stick ceremony. It should have been a nice moment in what was supposed to be a rewarding homecoming.

Instead, he never played another game for Vancouver. Now comes Russia, and I wonder whether this could be a better opportunity for him than some people might think. The KHL isn’t the NHL, but it’s still a competitive professional league. Kane will have a chance to play meaningful hockey, bring his experience to another team and perhaps rediscover some of the enjoyment that comes with having an important role.

At 35, Could Russia Be Kane’s Last Chance to Extend His Career?

There’s also a bigger question. At 35, how many more NHL opportunities realistically await him? A good season in Russia might keep the door slightly open, but it won’t automatically bring NHL teams calling. Perhaps Kane’s hockey story isn’t over. Players sometimes find a second wind when they change leagues and surroundings.

But this is an interesting crossroads. Vancouver didn’t turn out to be the homecoming Kane or the Canucks hoped for. Russia offers another chance.

We’ll see what he does with it.

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