- The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta links Patrick Kane to the Maple Leafs and Sabres in free agency
- Kane isn’t expected back in Detroit, with a Chicago return also in play
- Read below for the cap math in both cities and where Kane fits
Patrick Kane’s free agency just picked up two familiar suitors.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres are both linked to the veteran winger, who isn’t expected back with the Red Wings. A return to Chicago hasn’t been ruled out either.
Pagnotta laid out where the Toronto talks stand:
Buffalo is the sentimental fit. Kane grew up just outside the city, and the Sabres lost real scoring when Alex Tuch left in a sign-and-trade with Washington.
Nobody in Buffalo has replaced that production yet. The Sabres carry roughly $5.12 million in cap space, and they are coming off a playoff trip that gives Kane a real reason to go home.
Toronto is the tighter squeeze. The Leafs sit over the cap and would need to move a contract like Dakota Joshua’s to open room for Kane on a one-year deal.
A storyline waits in Toronto, too. Top pick Gavin McKenna has called Kane his hockey idol, and dropping him next to a 508-goal scorer would give the rookie a mentor worth listening to.
Kane turns 38 in November. He posted 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games for Detroit last season, and his 1,400 career points and three Stanley Cups make him the most decorated name still on the market.
He can still tilt a game in a hurry. Watch his five-point night in Detroit last season:
Detroit still has the cap room to make the highest bid. Whether Kane chases one more competitive run or the biggest check will decide if he lands in Toronto, Buffalo, or back in Chicago.
