Veteran winger Patrick Kane has reportedly started the process of finding his next NHL team. According to multiple reports, Kane is already meeting with interested teams and wants to sign a contract by Thanksgiving.
Kane had surgery in June to address a lingering hip surgery. At the time, he decided to focus on his rehab and put a pause on free-agent activities. The recovery process is reportedly going as planned, and the 34-year-old is now expected to be ready to return to action in late November or early December.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN reported on Tuesday that Kane will meet at least eight NHL teams while looking for the best landing spot. The list includes the Buffalo Sabres, the Florida Panthers, and the Detroit Red Wings. Kane’s agent, Pat Brisson, previously indicated that his client wants to be part of a Stanley Cup contender.
This means that a reunion with the Chicago Blackhawks is off the table. While the Blackhawks have an exciting young core, they are still years away from contending. A return to the New York Rangers, where Kane spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, is also unlikely, according to The New York Post’s Larry Brooks.
Patrick Kane has the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award on his resume, alongside nine All-Star nods. Kane’s NHL career stats include 451 goals and 786 assists in 1,180 games. He also won the Stanley Cup three times with the Blackhawks.
