Canadian NHL Team Set to Pursue Patrick Kane

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Ryan Hall
October 27, 2023 (0:31)

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As October comes to a close, the rumour mill has begun in full swing regarding where former Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane will sign. The 34-year-old winger has been sidelined with hip resurfacing surgery and has been in recovery for the past several months.

This surgery was performed just after the New York Rangers season ended and was expected to take 6 to 8 months for recovery.

It appears that he is on the mend and is about to re-emerge in the NHL as he is on schedule. Several teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for his services.

The Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and the New York Rangers are all potential destinations.

But one NHL insider, Larry Brooks from the New York Post, thinks that the New York Rangers are out of the running and that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be his selection. There is a possibility that Kane may not gain full mobility like before which could hamper his game.

Some also think there is a possibility that the Blachhawks will circle back to sign him to a low cost deal.

The Kane-to-Toronto rumours have been constant for the past several months, and it will take general manager Brad Treliving and apologist Brandon Pridham several moves to fit him under the cap, as the Maple Leafs are right up against the cap limit.

Even though Kane would give Toronto another weapon, especially on the power play, the Maple Leafs need a reconfiguration of their defence core. Despite their 4-2-0 record, several games have shown deficiencies in their defence that have led to poor play and unnecessary goals.

It's also worth noting that he will not qualify for the 35-plus contract as he is 34 at this time, and it needs to be in place at the beginning of the season."