The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman has struggled through his first 13 games of the season. Head coach Sheldon Keefe says the player is injured and working through some things. Patrick Kane reportedly met with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, even as reports suggest it's a longshot he signs with Toronto. The 34-year-old is on the cusp of returning to the NHL after rehabbing hip resurfacing surgery he had on June 1. As John Shannon reports in the post above, Kane has been skating in Oakville, Ontario, and it appears he's begun his meeting process with the closest team. Both Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and President Brendan Shanahan are with the team in Sweden for the 2023 NHL Global Series games, meaning this process was potentially done virtually. If Toronto goes down the road of signing the 34-year-old free-agent forward, there'd likely need to be a cap restructure. Given this situation, plus the potential one involving the Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/youre-exactly-what-we-need-maple-leafs-player-reportedly-shared-this-thought-on-flames-defenseman-nikita-zadorov-following-tyler-bertuzzi-hit], money would need to go out for each to work. Kane split last season between the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers, putting up 21 goals and 36 assists in 73 games. He also had one goal and five assists in seven games with the Rangers in the playoffs. It's unlikely he'll take a contract near league minimum given his production from last season. The Athletic's Chris Johnston reported [https://theathletic.com/5045510/2023/11/08/patrick-kane-destinations-rangers-maple-leafs/] last week that Toronto is a "longer-shot contender" to sign Kane but also that "the possibility can't be ruled out entirely." Johnston also said that the 34-year-old wants to play somewhere that puts him in a position to win another Stanley Cup, plus a place where he can remain long-term. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related NHL, NHLPA and Alumni Association Release Digital Collectible NFT Platform NHL Breakaway to the Public [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/nhl-nhlpa-and-alumni-association-release-digital-collectible-nft-platform-nhl-breakaway-to-the-public] William Nylander Anticipates a Memorable Moment as 90-100 Family and Friends Attend His Maple Leafs Games in Stockholm, Sweden, Grandmother Will Attend First NHL Game [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/william-nylander-anticipates-a-memorable-moment-as-90-100-family-and-friends-attend-his-maple-leafs-games-in-stockholm-sweden-grandmother-will-attend-first-nhl-game] 'It Was Pretty Funny, I Was Just Surprised': Maple Leafs' Joseph Woll Reveals Reaction to Signing Concrete Brick at Autograph Session [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/it-was-pretty-funny-i-was-just-surprised-maple-leafs-joseph-woll-reveals-reaction-to-signing-concrete-brick-at-autograph-session] News from THN.com Sleepers and Keepers Podcast: Fantasy Hockey Reactions to Oilers' Firing and Goalie Tandems [https://thehockeynews.com/podcast/sleepers-and-keepers-podcast-fantasy-hockey-reactions-to-oilers-firing-and-goalie-tandems] Possible Destinations for Nikita Zadorov Following His Trade Request [https://thehockeynews.com/news/possible-destinations-for-nikita-zadorov-following-his-trade-request] New Hall of Famer Ken Hitchcock Gave His Ideal Changes for Hockey in 201 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/new-hall-of-famer-ken-hitchcock-gave-his-ideal-changes-for-hockey-in-2012]2
