Report: Canadiens among teams expected to pursue Patrick Kane
The Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, and Buffalo Sabres are among the teams expected to make a play for Patrick Kane when free agency opens Monday, reports Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
The Detroit Red Wings remain in the mix, too. The two sides reportedly found some traction toward a new deal Sunday.
Detroit is still reportedly negotiating with some of its other pending unrestricted free agents - Shayne Gostisbehere and David Perron - into the 11th hour as well.
Kane recorded 20 goals and 27 assists in 50 games with the Red Wings last season. He missed most of the first half of the campaign while recovering from hip resurfacing surgery, a procedure no NHL player had successfully returned from previously.
AFP Analytics projects he'll sign a two-year contract with a $6.3-million average annual value.
The 35-year-old played for the Rangers as a 2023 trade deadline pickup. He's also from Buffalo. He has no obvious ties to the Habs or Stars.
A three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane also won the Calder Trophy in 2008, the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013, and the Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and Art Ross Trophy in 2016.
Kane has tallied 1,284 points - the third most among American-born players - in 1,230 career games across 17 NHL seasons.