The Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild has generated conjecture about Patrick Kane’s future with the franchise. With most of this summer’s best free-agent forwards now off the market, there are ongoing trade rumors about the 33-year-old winger.
Kane becomes eligible for unrestricted free agent status next summer. Cap Friendly shows he carries an average annual value of $10.5 million. His actual salary for 2022-23 is $6.9 million, of which $4 million has already been paid as a signing bonus by the Blackhawks.
An elite scorer earning just $2.9 million is a tempting trade target. However, the $10.5-million cap hit would be difficult for most to absorb unless the Blackhawks retain up to half of it.
Kane’s no-movement clause also complicates things. While there’s no indication he’s agreed to waive it, he’ll likely do so for only a small number of teams. Given his championship pedigree, he could prefer joining a contender as a playoff rental before the 2023 trade deadline.
Despite those issues, Kane frequently surfaced in the rumor mill throughout July. Earlier in the month, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Colorado Avalanche might pursue him during the coming season. The New York Post‘s Larry Brooks felt he’d make a good rental fit with the Rangers.
The Edmonton Journal’s David Staples recently reported oddsmakers favored the Oilers landing Kane. However, he cited NHL insider John Shannon dismissing that notion, pointing out the Oilers’ cap constraints while suggesting the Rangers as a more realistic trade destination.
A rumor making the rounds last Friday linked Kane to the Dallas Stars but CHGO Sports’ Jay Zawaski cited sources claiming it wasn’t true. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported a source saying the Blackhawks had “NO discussions” regarding Kane with other teams.
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