Buffalo Sabres: Evander Kane Can Likely Travel Even if Convicted
By Paul Taylor
According to a top immigration attorney, Evander Kane should still be able to travel with the Buffalo Sabres, even if he is convicted of any of the allegations against him.
Buffalo Sabres‘ winger Evander Kane is obviously in a lot of trouble, after being officially charged with criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and harassment. However, there is one silver lining – if you want to call it that – as he should still be free to travel with the team, even if he is convicted of any of the charges filed against him.
At least that’s the case, according to one of Buffalo’s top immigration attorneys, Robert D. Kolken, who spoke to The Buffalo News. Certainly, his legal opinion carries some merit, after 40 years specializing in immigration law.
Speaking to Dan Herbeck, Kolken said: “Unless there is something in his past criminal history that I am not aware of, it appears that these charges would have no ill effects on his immigration status.”
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The importance of this is connected to the fact there are seven Canadian teams in the NHL. Looking at the 2016-17 schedule specifically, the Sabres play 11 of their 41 road games in Canada, including four during the first month of the season.
Kolken did stress he was just giving his legal opinion, based on the facts currently available. In addition, he advised he does not have any detailed information pertaining to the investigation.
There is no denying the seriousness of what Kane apparently did at a bar on Chippewa Street in June. Two women filed complaints with police, after claiming he physically harassed them, with one saying he grabbed her by the throat and attempted to force her into his car.
However, as Kolken pointed out: “From what I read of the charges, it appears that he was properly charged, because there was no physical injury to the alleged victims.”
Despite this, the Sabres’ controversial winger still has other problems to contend with. Speculation is rife that general manager Tim Murray wants to move him, compounded by the possibility no one else in the league will want to take a chance on him.
Further, commissioner Gary Bettman has the power to fine, suspend or – worst case scenario – even terminate Kane’s contract. This is due to section 18-A.2 of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement – Commissioner Authority to Impose Discipline for Off-Ice Conduct.
Essentially, if Bettman determines the 24-year old has violated a league rule applicable to players – not including on-ice conduct – he can discipline them. This also extends to being guilty of conduct (whether during or outside the season) detrimental to or against the welfare of the NHL.
Of course, despite all of this information – both positive and negative – we have to first see how the case against the 2009 fourth overall draft pick actually pans out. As you’d expect, he denies all charges against him.
Speaking to The Buffalo News, Kane’s lead attorney Paul J. Cambria said: “Without a doubt, he plans to defend himself against these charges.”
Cambria went on to say he expects his client to appear in City Court in the next 10 days or so, to respond to the charges. Even in a story which has already had various twists and turns, you anticipate there are still many more to come.
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What is your take on the situation, now that Kane has actually been arrested? Further, how much of a distraction – if any – do you believe this will have on the Sabres’ preparations for the new season? Let us know in the comments section below.