NHL investigation finds no evidence Sharks' Evander Kane gambled on games

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The NHL completed its investigation of San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and found no evidence that he gambled on games or attempted to throw games.

Kane's wife, Anna, alleged in an Instagram post earlier this year that Kane bet on NHL games and was "throwing games to win money," spurring the league's investigation. The couple recently entered divorce proceedings.

The league revealed the findings of its probe -- conducted by Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, in conjunction with NHL Security -- on Wednesday, a day before the Sharks begin training camp.

According to the league, the investigation included detailed reviews of social media, public data, court filings from both Kane's bankruptcy proceedings and his pending divorce proceedings and a review of sports betting data and analysis by Sportsradar.

Along with reviewing that information, the NHL said it conducted interviews with Kane and other members of the Sharks organization. Kane's wife "refused to participate in the investigation," the league said.

"The investigation uncovered no evidence to corroborate Ms. Kane's accusations that Mr. Kane bet or otherwise participated in gambling on NHL games, and no evidence to corroborate the allegations that Mr. Kane 'threw' games or did not put forward his best effort to help the Sharks win games," the NHL said in a statement.

"To the contrary, the evidence raises doubts about the veracity of the allegations. While Mr. Kane denied the accusations, our findings are not based on these denials but instead on other evidence uncovered during the investigation."

The NHL said it considers the case closed, though it retains the right to look into any new information related to the gambling accusations.

The league also said it has opened a new investigation into Kane for "unrelated allegations of potential wrongdoing that were brought to the league's attention." The NHL didn't specify further.

Earlier Wednesday, Front Office Sports reported that Kane's wife, Anna, made allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence in a restraining order application filed in Santa Clara County Family Court this week.

Kane's attorney, Travis Krepelka, denied those accusations in a statement, saying: "Evander denies ever abusing Ms. Kane or their daughter Kensington, whom he cherishes."

The 30-year-old Kane is entering the fourth year of a seven-year contract that pays him $7 million annually. He recorded 22 goals and 27 assists over 56 games last season for the Sharks.