- Chris Chelios says Patrick Kane’s free agency is down to the Sabres and Blackhawks
- Chelios has spoken to Kane directly and says Detroit and Toronto are off the board
- Read below for Chelios’ full comments and what each team offers Kane
Patrick Kane’s next move is down to two teams, and one of the people closest to him just said so out loud.
Chris Chelios told 104.3 The Score in Chicago on Wednesday that Kane’s free agency has come down to the Buffalo Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks. He isn’t guessing. He has talked to Kane about it.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios said.
Here’s the clip:
That trims the field in a hurry. Kane had been linked to the Maple Leafs and Sabres earlier in the week, and a return to Detroit looked like a real option after his year there. Chelios wiped both off the board.
The choice comes down to home versus history. Buffalo is where Kane grew up, and the Sabres just made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Chicago is where he became a star, won three Cups, and got a jersey-retirement ovation two years ago.
Chelios made it clear which way he’s rooting.
“How great would that be? He’s so beloved in Chicago. So I’m hoping he leans that way,” Chelios said of a Blackhawks reunion. He added that he thinks Kane has “two, three years left in him.”
Kane turns 38 in November. He put up 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games with the Red Wings last season, so the offense is still there even if the minutes need managing. For his career he sits at 508 goals and 892 assists for 1,400 points in 1,369 games.
Chicago can offer the most money and a spot on the top line while Connor Bedard recovers from shoulder surgery. Buffalo offers a storybook homecoming and a Cup contender that could use him.
Chelios expects an answer soon. “I think he’s going to make his decision pretty quick now. It’s time,” he said.
