Do the Rangers Need Patrick Kane to Win a Cup? Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2MTExMTAzOTU5NDQyOTc3/usatsi_20064866.jpg] It finally happened. After weeks of speculation, the Chicago Blackhawks finally pulled the trigger on one of the most meaningful trades in their franchise's history. Forward Patrick Kane is headed to the New York Rangers in a three-team trade [https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1630734852038488064?s=20]. The Rangers also receive Cooper Zech from the Blackhawks. In return, Chicago acquires defenseman Andy Welinski, a conditional 2023 second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick and defenseman Vili Saarijarvi. The Arizona Coyotes are the third team in the trade, retaining 25 percent of Kane's salary while the Blackhawks retain 50 percent. Arizona gets a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft from the Rangers. As per the terms of the deal, if the Rangers win two rounds in the playoffs this season, that 2023 second-round pick will become a first-rounder in either 2024 or 2025, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan [https://twitter.com/emilymkaplan/status/1630657395121614848?s=20]. And thus ends one of the most prolonged trade sagas in recent memory. Kane had been linked to the Rangers for as long as the Blackhawks have been rebuilding, with steam seemingly picking up over the past week when the club scratched him from multiple games for "roster management reasons." It's no secret that Kane hasn't been at his best this season. In 54 games, the star winger has racked up a comparatively low 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points while watching his possession numbers and defensive metrics sink to career lows. Of course, all of that is likely not on Kane's shoulders alone. The Blackhawks are arguably the worst team in the NHL, with a roster that is shockingly bereft of talent, leaving Kane with little support around him. That obviously will not be the case in New York, as the 34-year-old joins a Rangers club that just added sniper Vladimir Tarasenko less than two weeks ago and is gunning for a championship. With Kane set to become a UFA this off-season, there's a good chance his time in the Big Apple is spent only as a rental. But given the Rangers' loaded roster and Stanley Cup aspirations, the allure of playing winning hockey again might convince him to stay. Regardless, the Eastern Conference arms race just changed once again, while an entire era of Blackhawks hockey is now coming to an end. Stay tuned. More trades are on the horizon.
