On Monday, new reports surfaced that may see a fan favorite leave the Detroit Red Wings. 

On his podcast, 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman spoke on several topics when it came to the Red Wings, including the Dylan Larkin trade situation, a possible offer sheet for restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson and, lastly, the future of future Hall of Fame winger Patrick Kane.

The 37-year-old hockey legend is coming off his 19th NHL season, in which he surpassed 500 career goals, crossed 1,400 points and became the all-time leader in points recorded by an American-born player. 

Kane finished the season with 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in just 67 games after missing time due to injury. The hope was that with the Red Wings likely pushing to end their decade-long playoff drought next season, Kane would play a large role on the team once again, but that may not be the case. 

The Buffalo native has been rumored to be exploring options outside the Motor City, and Friedman quickly addressed the topic, saying, "I don't know that I expect him to go back to Detroit."

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It would be a big blow for a Red Wings team to lose a player still capable of 50 to 60 points out of the middle of their lineup, and it would create another hole general manager Steve Yzerman would need to fill. Detroit has already made it known it wants Kane back, but with the organization also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Larkin, the roster picture in Detroit is far from settled.

The rumor mill has suggested Kane may look to explore the possibility of chasing one more Stanley Cup, having already won three during his dynasty days in Chicago alongside Jonathan Toews. 

With Toews having recently retired after 16 NHL seasons and a storybook final year with his hometown Winnipeg Jets, Kane may look to follow a similar path and try to go out on top by joining a true contender. 

Multiple reports have floated Kane's hometown Buffalo Sabres as one of the more realistic landing spots, should he ultimately decide his time in Detroit has run its course.

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