NHL Free Agency: 4 Landing Spots for Patrick Kane

After an underwhelming 2022-23 season and receiving off-season hip surgery, Patrick Kane had plenty of doubters heading into the 2023-24 campaign. However, he quickly proved his critics wrong and put together an excellent bounce-back season with the Red Wings. In 50 games, the future Hall of Famer posted 20 goals and 47 points.

After showing the NHL that he is still a star, Kane has set himself to land a nice payday this offseason. If he hits the market, he will generate a lot of interest around the league. Because of this, let’s discuss four potential landing spots for the 2007 first-overall pick now.

Kane Free Agent Prediction: Bruins  

The Bruins were one of the many teams connected to Patrick Kane before he signed with the Red Wings this season. Given their known interest in Kane, it would not be surprising if they tried to sign him again this offseason. This is especially so given that Jake DeBrusk is a pending UFA, and they have a lot of cap space this summer.

While the Bruins had a good season, they desperately need another true star in their top six. Signing Kane would give them just that, as he is a game-breaking winger with point-per-game potential. 

If the Bruins signed Kane, he would work wonderfully on a line with fellow star Brad Marchand and veteran center Charlie Coyle. He would also give their power play a much-needed boost. 

Kane Free Agent Prediction: Rangers 

A reunion between Kane and the Rangers could make sense for both parties. Kane was rumored to be interested in returning to the Rangers after the 2022-23 season, but they could not make it work financially. Yet, with the Rangers having more money entering the summer, they could make a push to bring back Kane. 

When looking at the Rangers’ lineup, there’s no question they could use another star at right wing. When looking for a specific placement for Kane in New York’s lineup, he could work wonderfully with former Blackhawks teammate Artemi Panarin and center Vincent Trocheck.

With the Rangers being legitimate contenders, there’s no question that they could use a player who has won three Stanley Cups in their lineup again. Because of this, the Rangers are another clear club to watch when it comes to Kane. 

Kane Free Agent Prediction: Avalanche 

The Avalanche will likely be hunting for a top-six winger this summer. Valeri Nichushkin was recently handed a six-month suspension and re-entered the NHL Player Assistance Program. With this, the Avalanche have a massive hole in their top six, and they could look to add a star like Kane because of it. 

It is also crucial to note that the Avalanche have been interested in Kane on multiple occasions. They were in the mix to acquire him at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline and were one of the clubs connected to him this offseason in free agency. 

If the Avalanche signed Kane, he would be a marvelous winger for second-line center Casey Mittelstadt to work with. The pair could create a lethal duo under Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen in the lineup. 

Kane Free Agent Prediction: Red Wings

The possibility of Kane returning to the Red Wings is also on the table. As noted above, Kane fit beautifully in their lineup and was also an important leader in their locker room. With the Red Wings looking to take that next step and get back into the playoffs, they should seriously consider keeping him around. 

While the Red Wings have several pending UFAs to decide about, Kane is easily the one they should make their biggest priority. Losing his production in their lineup would be quite hurtful for a team looking to become contenders.

The Red Wings also have some money to work with this offseason, so the possibility of getting Kane signed to a new deal is certainly there.