THN.com/podcast. From THN American Pipeline: USHL Trade Talk and Wild Prospects Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk1ODc5MDY5NDI0ODIxMjc0/usatsi_19988492.jpg] Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane didn't hide his disappointment [https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2023/2/10/23594546/patrick-kane-reaction-rangers-vladimir-tarasenko-trade-request-blackhawks-nhl-kyle-davidson] in the New York Rangers passing him over in favor of Vladimir Tarasenko last week. As the March 3 trade deadline approaches, however, other clubs are reportedly interested in the 34-year-old winger. Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus of The Athletic [https://theathletic.com/4186266/2023/02/11/patrick-kane-jonathan-toews-jake-mccabe-blackhawks/] reported the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights have “confirmed interest” in Kane. Powers and Lazerus also indicated the Blackhawks' front office believes there's a 50-50 chance the winger waives his no-movement clause. The Hurricanes need a second-line center but could also use a top-six winger with Max Pacioretty again sidelined by a torn Achilles. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights have a pressing need for a first-line right winger with captain Mark Stone sidelined by back surgery. Placing Pacioretty ($7-million average annual value)on LTIR provides the Hurricanes with sufficient salary cap flexibility to acquire Kane, who carries a $10.5-million cap hit for this season. The Golden Knights are expected to do the same with Stone and his $9.5-million cap hit. It's believed the Blackhawks will retain half of his cap hit for the right offer. The Stars have been in the market [https://thehockeynews.com/news/possible-trade-targets-for-the-dallas-stars] for a second-line forward since late November. CapFriendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/stars] indicates they have just over $1.6 million in projected trade deadline cap space. GM Jim Nill will have to get creative to free up sufficient room even if the Blackhawks retain half of Kane's salary. With $16.5 million in projected deadline cap space [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild], the Wild have the most room to take on the remainder of Kane's salary. With the top prospect pool, as ranked by The Athletic's Scott Wheeler [https://theathletic.com/3923067/2023/01/09/nhl-prospect-rankings-2023/], they're also well-positioned to outbid their rivals if Kane is willing to go to Minnesota.
