Here’s the latest on where Patrick Kane could sign this season: Report
Here’s the latest on where Patrick Kane could sign this season: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Accordingly, Patrick Kane is about to return to the ice The Athletics Chris Johnston.
According to Johnston, Kane and his agent Pat Brisson “have begun speaking directly to those who would be considered for his services.”
“It’s a little bit like the interviews we used to have on July 1,” Brisson said Pierre LeBrun said Tuesday. “That’s exactly what we’re starting to do here.”
Here are the teams that could suit Kane according to Johnston:
It’s the team Kane allowed the Blackhawks to trade him to last season. And while a first-round playoff exit to the New Jersey Devils is painful, Kane is familiar with the Rangers.
However, there is a caveat to returning to Broadway Cap space. The Rangers would have to maneuver their squad to bring in Kane, who are looking for a competitive team and also one that can sign him long-term.
The Panthers check the competitive box as they just took on the Las Vegas Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup.
According to Johnston, Kane has an established relationship with Bill Zito, the team’s general manager. The two were together with Team USA at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Emily Kaplan previously reported The Panthers are also “interested” in Kane.
It’s the game that will upset Blackhawks fans the most.
For Kane, however, the move to the Red Wings means reuniting with one of his favorite linemates: Alex DeBrincat. He signed a three-year deal with Detroit last offseason and has already scored nine goals this season.
The question is: Does Kane think the Red Wings are ready to compete? They haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2015-16 season and Kane is aiming for more. They are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division and are close to a playoff spot when the season ends today.
The Sabres, another team Kane knows, offer something no other team can: They play in his hometown.
Like the Rangers, Buffalo offers the convenience of allowing Kane’s family to easily attend. That was a little thing Kane mentioned last season when he moved to New York.
The Sabers are not currently in the Wild Card. But what’s rare for other teams, aside from the Red Wings, is that the Sabers have cap space. They have the third-most stats in the NHL this season. Therefore, they were able to sign Kane long-term with no questions asked.
And finally the latest part of the Patrick Kane rumor mill: the Maple Leafs.
At the top of the Eastern Conference wild card, the Leafs have some attractive offers. Johnston mentioned that Kane is recovering from off-season hip surgery in Toronto.
According to Johnston, Auston Matthews – a fellow American hockey player – grew up a big Kaner fan. This duo would be deadly.
Where will Kane end up? The answer will come relatively soon.
