The Edmonton Oilers have granted Evander Kane permission to speak with other teams before the NHL's free-agency period opens, his agent said Monday.

In a text to multiple media outlets, Kane's agent, Daniel Milstein, wrote he's opening talks with other teams while also continuing discussions with the Oilers. His client is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.

"While we are still hopeful to have a deal in place with Edmonton, we are starting the interview process with other clubs," Milstein wrote in the message.