Could Patrick Kane Return To Chicago?
Patrick Kane is going to be a free agent, and based on their cap situation, the New York Rangers will very likely not try to re-sign him. However, could another former team be in the running to sign him?
We already know Connor Bedard will almost assuredly be a Chicago Blackhawk. Does the idea of mentoring him into a star entice Kane to return to the Windy City? They’ll already share the distinction of being No. 1 picks for the Blackhawks. This idea has also been thrown around. As a bottom-dwelling team, the Hawks would have no shortage of cap space to sign him on a fair deal. It’s truly not the craziest idea.
Kane and Bedard will not shoot Chicago up the standings, but it certainly would generate some offense and a very exciting powerplay. A short-term deal could make some sense here for both sides. Kane gets a reasonable payday in his final years with his main team; Bedard gets to learn from one of the best offensive players this century. We saw Claude Giroux join a young team for a decent salary last summer.
Other Suitors
You can’t deny the fact that Kane may still want to win, and there will be suitors for just that, depending on how much of a discount he wants to take.
Look no further than his hometown. The Buffalo Sabres made a legit push for the playoffs for the first time in forever. The duo of Kane and Tage Thompson is also absolutely tantalizing. You’d have to think adding him would be enough to at least make it to the playoffs.
Another potential horse in the race is the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas was interested in Kane before the trade deadline and he would fit right into their top six. However, some cap gymnastics or a close to minimum salary might be required for the Golden Knights.
Patrick Kane will be joining a new team in all likelihood. The fit between him and Connor Bedard would be amazing, but a move back to Chicago is far from a guarantee.
