NHL Reporter Provides an Update on Toews and Kane's Trade Situation

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Kevin Garcia
December 2, 2022 (1:06 PM)

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With the Blackhawks falling to 6-12-4 this season, it is now almost guaranteed that the Hawks are going to move their long-time stars.

Kane's reputation will always have him being valued highly, but it is Toews who has done a lot to increase his value this season.

Toews has constantly found the back of the net by playing gritty hockey near the crease. Him and Kane should both be valued highly near the deadline, but where do they stand currently?

Well, thanks to NHL Trade Rumors, we got an update on the two from Elliote Friedman:

«Right now, there's more talk from people who can't make it happen than from people who can.» Expect this to gain traction in the new year, with more clarity on what (or where) both players prefer. On some level, I think Kane in particular would like to take a run at some of Stan Mikita's franchise records (games played, assists and points). Therefore, there were rumours he might prefer to play out the season in Chicago and decide his future in free agency, but several sources threw cold water on that idea. As you can imagine, there's been no extension talk in either case."

The most important thing about this situation is that both Kane and Toews have no trade clauses in their contract, meaning that they can turn down any trade and only go where they want to be.

I can't see either player wanting to stick it out this season with the rebuild, but then again, they do have career-long ties to Chicago.

If they get traded, it will surely be for a team that has a chance at making a run at the Stanley Cup. They are not going to allow a trade to a borderline playoff team.

Plus, it is important to remember that both players can choose to return to free agency next offseason if they wish. So realistically, they can both spend less than half a season with whatever team acquires them.