Kane's performance during the first round of the playoffs with the New York Rangers was less than ideal. After much fanfare just before the trade deadline regarding where he would be traded, there were rumours that he might be affected by an injury.
Less than a week into June, it was confirmed that he underwent the surgery and was forecast to be out of commission for four to six months. Kane appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery and rehabilitation, getting close to returning to the NHL.
News of his return has sparked many rumours across the league regarding which team he will sign with, and it now seems there's a clear answer.
Buffalo Sabres blogger Jeffrey Ade reported yesterday that the Sabres have tabled a two-year deal for Kane, which will command a salary range of $3.5 to $4 million per season.
The recent trend has seen some superstars willing to return to their hometowns, which happens to be Buffalo for Kane, to play in front of their fans and family. As he enters the twilight of his career at the age of 34, it's likely there's a sense of wanting to go home and play for the team he watched growing up.
The Sabres currently have $6.63 million in cap space, allowing them to accommodate this contract. Adding Kane to the roster will give the Sabres a much-needed boost on offence and leadership in playoff performance, aiming to win the Stanley Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Kane can achieve his strong play of the past, as hip resurfacing surgery can cause discomfort and the inability to skate for other players. However, recent videos suggest that he should be able to play when he returns to the NHL in December.
POLL | ||
Will Patrick Kane sign a new deal with Sabres in December? | ||
Yes | 84 | 66.7 % |
No | 42 | 33.3 % |
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