It’s time for another round of NHL rumours as we rocket towards the NHL Draft and free agency. The Stanley Cup was handed out earlier in the week. However, there’s little time to relax with two big events on the league’s calendar fast approaching. The NHL Awards, the draft and the start of July 1 free agency are all upon us. Teams have to scramble and quickly make their plans. Some clubs will be looking into new players. However, one team could be seeking a reunion with a previous trade deadline acquisition. This round of NHL rumours looks at the New York Rangers possibly linking up with a highly-decorated forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers Look Into Brining Back Scoring Forward
Rumour: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh look into the idea of Patrick Kane possibly returning to the Blueshirts.
Analysis: Kane’s 2023 stint with the Rangers did not go as planned. The Buffalo native was dealing with injuries and became a defensive liability. A number of people thought Chris Drury‘s addition of the future Hall of Famer was a dud. However, Kane went to the Detroit Red Wings after recovering a surgery and showed out in Hockeytown.
The 35-year-old recorded 47 points in 50 games and gave the team some scoring punch when it needed it. Detroit and General Manager Steve Yzerman said he’d love to bring back Kane. However, the Red Wings may not have the available cap space to make that happen. This means the former Hart Trophy winner could hit the open market on July 1. The Red Wings have other priorities like re-signing Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
Back in the New York Groove
Kane’s time on Broadway was a flop with him playing through a bad hip. There was a hope he’d compliment Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, but he ended up not being much help. His time in Detroit has rehabbed his image and there’s some demand for the experienced scorer.
Kane also wants to write a better ending to his story in the Big Apple. It didn’t sit well with him that he struggled with the Rangers.
New York was in on Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline, but he dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Rangers could re-visit getting Guentzel, but other teams are likely in pursuit of the talented scorer. Kane could provide a stopgap option for the Blueshirts if Drury doesn’t get one of the big-ticket free agents.
What Kind of Deal Would Kane Get?
Staple and Baugh said that Kane’s camp is looking for a two or three-year. However, Drury probably wants to go with a one-year agreement if he does re-sign Kane. Having Kane sign just a one-year contract would allow the Rangers some more flexibility to add more at the trade deadline.
The three-time Stanley Cup winner took a bit of a pay cut at $2.75 million last season with the Red Wings. Drury would love to get something similar, but may have to pay a touch more to get him.
Salary cap space is at a premium with the Rangers at just north of $12.3 million in cap space. Drury also has to re-sign restricted free agents Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider this off-season. The Athletic writers mention that Kaapo Kakko could be shopped and his $2.4 million cap hit could come off the books.
A deal for Guentzel may not be in the cards, but Kane could be a fallback option. However, Rangers fans are hoping for a Broadway revival if he does have a second stint at MSG.
Main photo by: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
