A large chunk of the big names are off the board, but that does not mean quality talent isn’t out there. One team that will be generating a ton of buzz is the Chicago Blackhawks. Even though long-time captain Jonathan Toews will not be moved, one player is still in the fold. It is not Max Domi, but it is Chicago Blackhawks Forward Patrick Kane. Today’s NHL rumours discusses a possible Patrick Kane trade.
Metropolitan Division Team Still Eyeing Patrick Kane Trade
Rumour: Larry Brooks for the NY Post mentions the Rangers are still in play for Patrick Kane
Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is still very much in play. However, he does hold a no moment clause that he would need to waive in order to accept the trade. Another hurdle is his $10 million cap hit which will require retainment in order to facilitate the move. One team that is very much in on Patrick Kane is the New York Rangers. This is even after they made the trade for Vladimir Tarasenko. It is no secret that the Rangers are Kane’s preferred destination, and general manager Chris Drury is going for it all. But given the circumstances how can Drury make this a reality?
The Hurdle To Trading for Patrick Kane
As we saw with the Ryan O’Reilly trade, the same scenario would have to play out for Kane. His cap hit is much higher, and retaining salary is a must. Drury may need to take a page out of Kyle Dubas’ book. Dubas managed to get a third team to retain a salary in order to acquire O’Reilly. As mentioned by Brooks, Minnesota Wild General Manager Bill Guerin acquired a fourth round pick in exchange to retaining his salary. Drury may need to do the same, but the retainment value will be higher given the salary.
Why Make a Patrick Kane Trade?
It is no secret that Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is having a down season. Kane currently has 16 goals, 29 assists, and 45 points. However, he has been cooking lately and has 10 points in his last four games. His stock is rising and showing why trading for him is the right move.
In terms of the Rangers, going for Kane makes sense in Drury’s going all-in approach. With cap constraints and three young guns due for new contracts, going all in while you can makes sense. While already having Tarasenko and newly acquiring Tyler Motte, adding Kane makes the group much more dynamic. Joining a top-six group of Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Tarasenko would make that one of the deeper top-six groups in the league. With the East loading up, the Rangers aim to keep pace.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
