With American Thanksgiving already in the review mirror and the new year fast approaching, the elephant in the Chicago Blackhawks locker room continues to grow. Will Patrick Kane remain with the Blackhawks, or will he ask to be traded for a shot to chase a fourth Stanley Cup? This is the biggest question not only in Chicago but across the entirety of the NHL. If Kane decides to stay, he could go on to break most Blackhawks franchise records, but with the Blackhawks being toward the bottom of the standings, it’s more than reasonable to think Kane could want to play for a more competitive team for the last years of his historic career. So where could Kane land up?
(Some trades may have to involve a third team to lessen the cap hit)
New York Rangers
The Rangers and Kane have been connected since last season. Kane was best friends with Artemi Panarin when he was with the Blackhawks. During their time, they were the most deadly duo in the NHL. Kane’s only Hart trophy came with The Bread Man (Panarin) by his side. But what would the rangers give up to get Kane? The Rangers have two first-round draft picks in the upcoming NHL draft. The Blackhawks would want at least one of those likes back in a trade involving Kane. There is also the less likely option that the Rangers look to package Kaapo Kakko and a second-round pick for Kane. Kakko hasn’t transitioned to the NHL as most had projected, and the Rangers might be thinking it’s time for a fresh start. This is not likely, as the Blackhawks would rather have a draft selection in the upcoming draft that is being touted as one of the deepest drafts in recent history.
Boston Bruins
Ryan Whitney of the Spittin’ Chiclets recently laid out a scenario that would make Blackhawks fans’ heads explode. Just picturing Kane in a yellow and black jersey, not wearing the number 88, would be wrong, but it could happen. Boston is an absolute wagon and is a lock to make the playoffs. With an aging core and this possibly being the last run at a cup for Bergeron, the Bruins should be pushing the chips this season. The Bruins also still have their first-round picks in the subsequent two NHL drafts and could dangle one of those in front of Kyle Davidson. Just picture what a line with Kane and Pastrnak could do.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils have been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL. New Jersey is one of the best teams in the NHL, but with a young core with zero to no playoff experience, they could be looking to add a veteran, and who better for Jack Hughes to learn from than Patrick Kane? Hughes plays a similar style as Kane. The Devils are loaded with prospects and young NHL talent, so trading away this year’s first-round pick won’t hurt as much. Kane has been linked to the rivals of the Devils, the Rangers, but he could play in red and black in New Jersey, not Chicago.
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado lost a lot this offseason with the departure of Kadri, but they are still a Stanley Cup contender. Not every day you get a chance to win back-to-back Cups, but that’s what the Avs have. With a blue line deeper than any other, the Avalanche’s only move to make is to upgrade to forwards, and that is where Kane comes in. Kane would bring the scoring that Colorado lost this offseason and prime them for another deep run. They have this year’s first-round pick, the starting piece needed to get Kane out of the Windy City.
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton has two of the best players in the world, but each year they come up short regardless of the heroic efforts of McDavid. It’s time for the Oilers to go 100% in and sell the future. They could offer the Blackhawks their first-round pick in this year’s draft, along with another draft pick or two, and add Patrick Kane. This could allow the Oilers to have two of the best lines in the NHL once Evander Kane returns. Picture a power play unit of McDavid, P. Kane, Draisaitl, Nurse, E. Kane. DEADLY. The Oilers could become an offensive juggernaut if they add Patrick Kane.
Ultimately this is Patrick Kane’s choice, but the time is ticking, and the deadline will be soon enough.
Season 2 Episode 10: Is Patrick Kane The Greatest Blackhawks Player Of All Time – Cue The Dagger
- Season 2 Episode 10: Is Patrick Kane The Greatest Blackhawks Player Of All Time
- Season 2 Episode 9: Peter Laviolette III
- Season 2 Episode 8: Hossa Night, Early NHL awards, NHL talk and more
- Season 2 Episode 7: Is Toews back? Should Matthews have to fight? and much more!
- Season 2 Episode 6: Three Blackhawks trades, Chicago's hot start, around the NHL and more
