Report: Rangers, Red Wings among teams in mix for Patrick Kane

The list of suitors for Patrick Kane appears to be narrowed down to around four.

The New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings have entered the sweepstakes for the unrestricted free-agent winger, reports TSN's Chris Johnston. The Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers, who were previously reported to be interested, remain in the hunt.

Kane finished the 2022-23 campaign with the Rangers after the Chicago Blackhawks dealt him to New York at the trade deadline. He recorded five goals and seven assists in 19 regular-season contests with the Blueshirts before adding six points in seven playoff games. A reunion in the Big Apple would require some financial gymnastics, though, as the Rangers are right up against the cap ceiling.

Detroit, however, has $4.4 million in projected cap space - the sixth-most in the NHL, per CapFriendly. The Red Wings would also offer Kane the opportunity to reunite with former Blackhawks linemate Alex DeBrincat, who joined Detroit this past offseason.

Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1 and was given a four-to-six month timeline. Although reports indicate his recovery is going well, the procedure has proven to be difficult to rebound from. Nicklas Backstrom was the latest player to have the surgery before Kane and he's not expected to suit up for the remainder of the season due to ongoing hip issues.

Kane, who turns 35 on Nov. 19, produced a 92-point campaign as recently as 2021-22. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has recorded 1,237 points in 1,180 career regular season games, as well as 138 points in 143 postseason contests.