Bad news for the Leafs when it comes to Patrick Kane…

Free agent Patrick Kane has reportedly started to meet with team, their general manager and coach, to see what landing spot would be best for him at this point in his career. Kane is finally ready to go after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery this summer, and now fans await his final choice with bated breath.

When reports emerged that Kane would be meeting with teams this week in order to make a decision close to Thanksgiving weekend, John Shannon revealed that Kane had meet with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Fans got excited that the free agent was sort of putting Toronto in priority despite its limited cap space. And let’s not forget, the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, along with the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning are believed to be in the mix as well.

However on Thursday, Shannon revealed that Kane never met with the Maple Leafs. He spoke with sources of the team itself which stated that a meeting never took place…

It’s not to say that it won’t happen… but if Kane has already met with others of the aforementioned suitors, it could be because he considers them a better Stanley Cup contenders.

It could also be linked to Kane’s projected salary. There’s no way Toronto can afford him without making significant changes to the roster. Earlier this season, TSN insider Dave Poulin claimed on TSN 1050 that if indeed Kane’s hip condition heals as expected then the Leafs will be “at the forefront of potential suitors” with the idea floating around that Toronto could add Kane for league minimum and then bump up his pay if he produces. Those bonuses would then be added to next year’s salary. However, with superstar Auston Matthews’ new deal kicking in next season though that might make things even more difficult. It really depends on what other moves general manager Brad Treliving has in mind.

But for now, Kane is the one in control and he had chosen, at the moment, not to meet with the Maple Leafs…

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