NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane Likely to Sign Contract by Thanksgiving ...
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Patrick Kane could be back on the ice in the near future.
The three-time Stanley Cup is expected to sign an NHL contract by Thanksgiving amid rehab from hip surgery, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
However, Kane is not expected to return to the New York Rangers, who "have never been in the mix for the right wing," Brooks added.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning are among the teams believed to be interested in signing Kane, according to Brooks.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported on Oct. 17 that the Sabres were a team to watch in the Kane sweepstakes as he grew up in Buffalo. Additionally, Seravalli reported that Kane was "keeping an eye on" the Red Wings.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston reported on Oct. 19 that the Panthers had expressed interest in signing Kane this winter, and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added that the franchise had been "aggressive" in their pursuit of the winger.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are considered a "longer-shot contender" to sign the veteran, Johnston reported on Nov. 8.
It's unclear if Kane is looking for a long-term deal or a one-year agreement to prove that he's healthy and can still compete at a high level following a hip resurfacing procedure.
The 34-year-old, who will turn 35 on Sunday, was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Rangers at the 2022-23 season's deadline. While he tallied five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 19 games with the Blueshirts, he ultimately didn't live up to expectations.
Prior to the trade, Kane had spent his entire 15-and-a-half-year career with the Blackhawks, helping the team win three Stanley Cups. He also posted 446 goals and 779 assists for 1,225 points in 1,161 games in Chicago.
With the 2023-24 season in full swing, it'll be interesting to see where Kane ends up and how he can help that particular team's Stanley Cup pursuit.
