Professional hockey players Evander Kane, Kurtis Gabriel and Patrick Marleau have become embroiled in an online drama after comments made in an interview and alleged text messages were shared online. Mine will come with facts, receipts, and the actual truth,” Kane posted on X on August 31. After that post was shared, Gabriel shared a video on social media that featured an alleged screenshot of a message from Marleau’s wife, Christina, in which she said her husband has a “strong disgust” for Kane.
Newsweek has broken down the drama involving the ice hockey players and reached out to Kane, Gabriel and Marleau via social media for comment. Kane is a Canadian left winger, known for his physical goal-scoring style. Most recently, he played for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2025-26 NHL season but is currently a free agent.
Gabriel is a Canadian former NHL right winger and enforcer who played for the Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks before retiring from professional hockey in 2022. Kane has had multiple controversies that have impacted his career over the years. In August 2021, he publicly admitted to having a gambling issue, but has denied betting on NHL games.
The NHL suspended him that October for reportedly using a fake COVID-19 vaccine card; the San Jose Sharks ultimately terminated his contract the following year over what the team called COVID protocol violations. Kane's personal life has also generated scrutiny. His highly publicized divorce from ex-wife Anna Kane led to allegations including gambling on NHL games, domestic abuse and financial misconduct.
The NHL investigated the gambling and abuse claims, stating it found no evidence to support the betting allegations and could not substantiate the abuse claims. Christina Marleau is the wife of Patrick Marleau, the legendary Canadian forward who played in the NHL for 23 years, mainly with the San Jose Sharks. He retired in 2022 and remains the NHL's all-time leader in regular-season games played.
Patrick and Christina have four sons and have been active in charitable and community initiatives throughout his NHL career. As of September 2026, Evander Kane does not have an NHL contract. His four-year, $20.5 million contract, which he originally signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2022, expired at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
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