Patrick Kane's been featured in trade rumors since the off-season. What's changed now that the NHL season is past the halfway point?
Patrick Kane's been featured in trade rumors since the off-season. What's changed now that the NHL season is past the halfway point?
Patrick Kane has been a fixture in the NHL rumor mill since last summer. While the 34-year-old winger is still considered among this season's top five trade candidates, there's no certainty the longtime Chicago Blackhawks star will change teams before the March 3 trade deadline.
Kane's contract remains a significant obstacle. CapFriendly shows most of his $10.5-million cap hit has been paid out by the Blackhawks, but it still won't be easy for suitors to squeeze him within their limited salary-cap payrolls.
Meanwhile, Kane and fellow pending UFA Jonathan Toews entered February without agreeing to waive their no-movement clauses. A decision is reportedly expected by the middle of the month, but similar anticipated deadlines for December and January never occurred. If he agrees to be traded, the Blackhawks could set a high asking price, starting with a first-round pick.
Rumors have linked Kane to the New York Rangers for some time. However, the New York Post's Larry Brooks suggested the Blackhawks' winger might not suit their needs.
Brooks felt the Rangers require a more physical scoring forward. Factor in Kane's declining production this season and the high cost of acquiring him, and the Blueshirts could pursue more affordable options.
Kane's offensive difficulties can be attributed to the rebuilding Blackhawks' lack of skilled depth, but a nagging injury could also be taking its toll. The Athletic's Arthur Staple wrote that it seems the entire league knows Kane needs hip surgery.
Staple thinks Kane will be damaged goods unless he undergoes season-ending hip surgery now to be ready for free agency and next season. He doesn't see the future Hall of Famer as the centerpiece of anyone's trade deadline plans.