He has been connected to the Detroit Red Wings for several months. Is there a legitimate interest or is this just conjecture in the media?
The response ought to become clear shortly. Many rumors state that the former league MVP will likely make his decision on where he will play this season by the end of this week or soon after.
Kane, who turned 35 on Sunday, underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1; recovery from the process takes four to six months. Given his age, how would the 2016 Hart Trophy recipient react to this procedure? Even though he just finished a season with 92 points, should a team sign him for a longer contract than this one?
Cap space, money and term are factors, as well as whether Kane wants to join a Stanley Cup contender or would play for a rebuilding team.
A look at potential candidates to land Kane:
Detroit: Alex DeBrincat is the main reason Detroit has been consistently listed as a possible landing spot for Kane. They were linemates for much of DeBrincat’s two 41-goal seasons in Chicago. The Red Wings have ample cap space (more than $6 million) and could always use more offense and a boost for their power play. The Red Wings might feel Kane could be the difference in ending their seven-year playoff drought. He might be lured by the prospects of being reunited with DeBrincat, even though that would mean moving Lucas Raymond, who’s off to a good start, off that line with Dylan Larkin.
Buffalo: Maybe Kane would like to play for his hometown team and help the Sabres snap the NHL’s longest playoff drought (12 seasons). The Sabres have more than $10 million in cap space. Their mediocre start (8-9-1) might pressure the front office to make a move. Kane has a good relationship with Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Don Granato.
Florida: The Panthers might make the most sense for Kane. They reportedly are pursing him aggressively and he could be the difference in the defending Eastern Conference champions taking the next step. Florida, however, is tight against the cap and would need some maneuvering. They couldn’t pay Kane as much as other teams if that’s important to him.
N.Y. Rangers: Kane didn’t exactly excel after being dealt to the Rangers at the deadline, with five goals and 12 points in 19 games and a goal and five assists in seven playoff games. He was dealing with hip issues. Still, the Rangers, even with more than $9 million in space, don’t appear to be in hot pursuit and don’t really need him following a 12-2-1 start.
Toronto: Kane reportedly has spoken to the Maple Leafs, but this union seems like a longshot at best. Toronto has virtually no cap room and has a stacked top six.
