RUMOUR: Could Toews and Kane Reunite in Edmonton?

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Ryan Hall
August 19, 2023 (11:53)

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As the Blackhawks organization completes its summer restructuring after turning the page on former superstars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who led them to three Stanley Cups in 10 years, rumours have been circulating about where these two players will end up.

Some have believed that Toews would retire as a Blackhawk, and Patrick Kane would remain with the New York Rangers, signing a new contract after recovering from his hip surgery.

However, these scenarios have not materialized yet, and speculation continues to mount regarding their future destinations. There are thoughts that both men could potentially join the Edmonton Oilers in a reunion that would bolster the team and provide them with an incredible opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.

Let's dive into this thought.

For such a reunion to occur, the Oilers would need to undergo significant team reconfiguration to accommodate both players under contract. Firstly, the Oilers have only $3.5 million remaining in cap space, as reported by capfriendly.com. The Oilers are presently engaged in negotiations to secure a new contract for defenseman Evan Bouchard, which will consume the remainder of their available funds.

Secondly, to accommodate both players within their organization, they would need to offload salaries from other players through trades. This could potentially disrupt the team's balance, despite the acquisition of two esteemed stars with extensive playoff experience.

Thirdly, there is no guarantee that either player would agree to a lower-range contract. They both believe they still have plenty to offer the NHL and might command salaries in the range of 3 to 4 million dollars each for a single season. If this scenario were to materialize, it could place the Oilers far from their financial capacity to bring in both players.

Lastly, if the Oilers aim to enhance their team, particularly their defensive corps, changes would be necessary. The defensive component proved deficient last year during the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights, as it struggled to contain the aggressive forwards due to a lack of size and strength.

In my view, both players will likely find spots on separate teams as they shape their destinies in the twilight of their careers.