Red Wings Still in Mix for Kane

While it’s evident that the Detroit Red Wings are still among the contending teams for the services of former Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane, the fact of the matter is it appears that that they aren’t front runners.

The Kane sweepstakes are officially underway. Kane’s agent Pat Brisson has begun the process of talking to NHL teams regarding his client. And Detroit is on that list. All of the contending clubs play in the Eastern Conference.

According to a report from TSN insider Chris Johnston, the four teams atop Kane’s list are the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings. Kane is reportedly seeking a pact that will pay him an AAV of $5 million.

Friedman on 32TP: "We're starting to get close to the Patrick Kane decision, I think this week he's going to start talking to some teams. Bill Zito, the GM of Florida, has been one of the most aggressive GMs when it comes to Kane.."

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 13, 2023

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Panthers GM Bill Zito is putting the full-court press on in order to convince Kane to bring his talents to South Beah.

Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1. At the time, the prognosis was that the 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy winner would require 4-6 months of rehab before he’d be able to resume playing.

Would Kane Consider Red Wings?

There seems to be a groundswell of support for Kane ending up with the Buffalo Sabres. He’s got strong personal relationships with Sabres coach Don Granato and GM Kevyn Adams. Of course, Buffalo is also his hometown.

Sean McDermott praying the Sabres sign Patrick Kane to a three-year deal today so the target gets pulled off his back for at least 24 hours.

— Matthew Hogan (@MattNHLHogan) November 14, 2023

Kane is interested in going with a team that’s a Stanley Cup contender and certainly the Panthers, last season’s Eastern Conference winners, exemplify that possibility as being real. While the Panthers are tight on the salary cap, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now outlines exactly  how a Kane to the Panthers move could work out. Zito and Kane also have a relationship from working together with USA Hockey.

The Rangers appear to have fallen off the radar in the battle for Kane. He finished his season there in 2022-23 following a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks and it wasn’t exactly spectacular. Kane would collect 5-7-12 totals in 19 regular-season games for New York. However, he had only one goal in seven playoff games as the Rangers made a first-round exit.

Where do the Red Wings fit into this picture? Well, it’s known that Kane loved playing on a line with Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat in Chicago. DeBrincat already has 10 goals this season. Kane was his linemate for the majority of both of his 41-goal seasons with Blackhawks.

The two stumbling blocks would appear to be whether Kane considers the Red Wings to be contenders. Then there’s also the fact of whether Detroit GM Steve Yzerman is willing to pay Kane $5 million.