On today’s episode of “Early Trading” on TSN, Gino Reda and Chris Johnston suggest that soon-to-be unrestricted free agent forward Patrick Kane will at least gauge the free agent marketplace tomorrow, regardless of whether he might re-sign with Detroit:
Reda: What about Patrick Kane? We realize he’s going to turn 38 a month into next season. We also know he’s not going to be able to play the full new 84-game schedule, but I imagine he’s got more than a couple of suitors come opening free agency.
Johnston: He does. And look, I think teams were wondering if he would even get to free agency just because he’s spent the last few years with the Detroit Red Wings and did have interest in returning there.
It seems now as we get this close, though, he’s going to at least take a peek at what the market has out there for him. And I do think there’s going to be a fair amount of interest.
Patrick Kane, you’re right, he’s a legacy player. He’s one of the best, if not the best, American-born NHLers ever. But he also remains pretty productive and produced a fair amount of offense last season. He’s going to have a few intriguing opportunities.
One I would mention that’s been rumored, though, is a fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs. At this point in time, it doesn’t seem to me like that’s actually something that’s likely to materialize. I’m not sure that’s as good a fit as some people have said.
But keep an eye on, whether it’s his hometown, Buffalo Sabres. Does he ponder a return to the Chicago Blackhawks or any number of other situations? I do think Patrick Kane is going to have some options on Wednesday.
Here’s the video:
