Recovering Kane Linked to Multiple Teams

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
August 14, 2023 (12:46)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former Blackhawks superstar winger, Patrick Kane, has been in the process of recovery this summer following hip surgery after the completion of the season.

As he progresses through the recovery phase, speculation is growing regarding which team he will sign with for the upcoming season, considering he is currently an unrestricted free agent.

Several teams have been associated with his name, including the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and even the Buffalo Sabres, according to The Athletic's Arthur Staple. However, the team that appears to be the frontrunner is the New York Rangers.

"In the best-case scenario, the Rangers may not require Kane; they would have swiftly adapted to Laviolette's system, the pieces added in free agency would seamlessly fall into place, and all would be well by November. However, things usually don't unfold so smoothly. If Chris Drury decides, as he did at the past season's deadline, that the lineup desperately needs Kane, he will go to great lengths to make it happen, even though the ambitious moves in March didn't yield the desired results. Then, the ball is in Kane's court. He might opt for Edmonton, Colorado, or perhaps Buffalo, depending on which team can accommodate a reasonable cap hit and offers him the best shot at victory. There are rumours that he cherished his brief stint with the Rangers and is eager for an opportunity to showcase his abilities there, especially when in peak health�a state he certainly was not in during the spring."

Just before the trade deadline, Kane expressed his interest in joining the Rangers, believing the team was prepared to take the next step and contend for a Stanley Cup. After evaluating the extent of his hip injury and considering the team's failure to reach the finals, it seems evident that he is inclined to give the Rangers a second chance.

At present, the Rangers have a roster size of 22 players and an estimated available cap space of $2.27 million. Given his age, Kane will likely need to accept a substantial pay cut for teams to secure his services, given the current scarcity of cap space. It is expected that numerous teams will approach his agent to negotiate and formalize his contract.