While there's some speculation that's linked Patrick Kane to the Stars, Maple Leafs and Sabres, there's other speculation that suggests otherwise.
While there's some speculation that's linked Patrick Kane to the Stars, Maple Leafs and Sabres, there's other speculation that suggests otherwise.
Last week came word that Patrick Kane could be getting closer to deciding on which NHL team he'll play for this season. On Thursday, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli indicated the 35-year-old free-agent winger could make his choice by the end of this week.
As many as eight clubs are believed to have expressed an interest in Kane, including the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, those three teams could be out of the running.
In his Nov. 17 mailbag segment, The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski cited Kane's connection to the city and the Sabres, including with GM Kevyn Adams and coach Don Granato earlier in his hockey career. Still, he doesn't see Kane selecting the Sabres unless they overpay or give him a multi-year contract.
Lysowski considers the latter scenario to be unlikely because the Sabres have several right-wing options for next season. He cited Alex Tuch as well as promising forwards Jack Quinn, Jiri Kulich and Matt Savoie.
Sportsnet's Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman last week discussed the possibility of Kane signing with Dallas. Friedman thinks the three-time Stanley Cup champion would love to play for the Stars but believes the team's focus is on landing the best defenseman they can find.
As for the Leafs, Friedman mentioned on Saturday that he believed Kane has met with them. However, he considers it unlikely that they'll sign Kane, going on to say both sides were merely conducting their due diligence.
Friedman said he thinks the Leafs are more interested in shoring up their blueline. The Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan shared that view, calling Kane a player they don't need and cannot afford.