Where is Patrick Kane And Where Will He End Up?

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Alexender Camilo
October 13, 2023 (12:12)

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The future Hall-of-Famer, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and Chicago Blackhawks legend, Patrick Kane, is still a free agent now for the first time in his 16-year NHL career, a few days into the start of the 2023-2024 season.

The 34-year-old winger underwent successful hip resurfacing surgery following the Rangers' first-round flame out playoff exit and would miss 4�6 months recovering.

Now, he remains weeks away from returning to action after the procedure, but is there an ideal location for where he might end up?

According to sportsnet writer, Emily Sadler, there are six potential destinations for Kane's next NHL stop.

The teams in question? Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and yes, a return to the New York Rangers.

Emily Salder

Pat Brisson, his agent, said Kane's preference would be signing with the suitor that gives him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.

That should rule out rebuilding clubs like the Sabres and Red Wings. Although they are young and talented, they aren't expected to be contenders this season.

The Rangers, Devils, Golden Knights and Panthers however, all are expected to contend for the Cup this season and are better suited for Kane's request.

None, however, have the cap space to sign him, unless they might find a creative way to free up the necessary space to sign him on a one-year deal.

The Rangers gave up a conditional second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, a fourth-round pick, and defenseman Andy Welinski to acquire Patrick Kane.

The Rangers sent the Arizona Coyotes a fifth-round selection in the 2025 draft to help facilitate the trade.

After the trade, Kane put up five goals, and 12 points for the Rangers in 19 games. He recorded one goal and five assists in their playoffs' first round loss.

There is no clear scenario I could see the Rangers somehow acquiring Kane from free agency with the team cap space currently under $700,000 without comprising the depth of the team and thinning the lines, not to add to the fact, Kane would most likely have to be willing to take less than his desired salary.

The Rangers' last season were in cap trouble and had an incredible lack of depth after trading for both Vladimir Tarasenko and Kane, which was a factor, along with the lack of chemistry, in the disappointing end to the season last year.