ESPN's Emily Kaplan suggests that Patrick Kane's time as a Red Wing might not be over just yet
Since the end of the season, the wind has seemed to be blowing toward a conscious uncoupling between Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings. However, the latest reporting from Emily Kaplan at ESPN suggests something different.
-"On Kane I was told he's very much still in contact with Detroit as of this week and could re-sign as a Red Wing. Kane views Detroit as a good team going in the right direction," wrote Kaplan, this morning. "The two things that are most important to Kane are fit and a legitimate chance to win. I also think he'd like some term, and was told he doesn't want to play on a bargain contract, such as the veterans minimum. Kane played for $2.75 million last season, then proved he still has it now that his surgically repaired hip held up. Depending on where and what term, I've been told he could double his salary next season."
Kane is a unique free agent. His combination of résumé, tool belt, age, and injury history make him a difficult free agent to provide any sort of precedent or comparable for. As Kaplan points out, he was clearly great value to Detroit this year on just a $2.75 million contract, and that number will probably wind up about double (with greater term attached) on the next contract the three-time Stanley Cup champion signs.
47 points in 50 games was probably at or beyond the upper limit of any reasonable expectation for Kane's return from hip re-surfacing surgery, but the grind of the season also revealed limitations to his game at age 35. He clearly remains one of the most dangerous creative players in the league and among its best passers, but he's hardly a checking stalwart or impact performer on the forecheck.
So, as with any free agent, for the fit to make sense for Detroit and Steve Yzerman, the price and term will have to be right.
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