Contending team slams the door shut on Patrick Kane

The New York Rangers, who emerged victorious in last year's contest to retain Patrick Kane's services after he was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks, seem to be out of the running for a reunion between the 34-year-old winger and the Big Apple.

Kane has been recuperating for the past five months after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery at the beginning of June, which was expected to have a recovery time of four to six months. His performance with the Rangers was not at its best, and the recent revelation of his injury and surgery helps explain why his production dropped.

There is a degree of uncertainty for Kane, as other NHL players who have undergone this surgery have not successfully returned to the league and are either retired or still grappling with injuries and discomfort. One such case is Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals, who had the same surgery as Kane and is now out for the remainder of the season due to complications with his hip.

Regardless of the odds, the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Sabres, Red Wings, the Stars, and even the Tampa Bay Lightning have expressed interest in acquiring Kane and would love to meet with him over the next week or two.

It was reported by a Buffalo insider that Kane and the Sabres have a deal in place that spans over two years and has a price tag between three and $4.5 million per season.

Time will tell who will win the sweepstakes.