According to various sources, the 35-year-old three-time Stanley Cup winner is signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings after recovering from offseason hip-resurfacing surgery.
The cap-strapped Rangers, who acquired the longtime Chicago Blackhawk at last year’s trade deadline, were never in the mix for a Kane reunion, The Post’s Larry Brooks reported two weeks ago.
Kane had five goals and seven assists in 19 regular-season games for the Blueshirts before recording one goal and five assists during the seven-game, first-round loss to the Devils.
Operating at less than 100 percent, Kane didn’t have the type of impact the Rangers needed to go on a deep playoff run.
The Red Wings, who have missed the playoffs in the last seven seasons and haven’t won a playoff series since 2013, are currently in third place in the Atlantic Division with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Rangers stay atop the NHL rankings with 31 points in 20 games with Monday’s loss to the Sabres, in which Kaapo Kakko suffered a horrific leg injury that might leave a significant vacuum at right wing if he is out long enough.
Kane will not be able to fill that vacuum.
