Patrick Kane finally opens up about his health and its impact on his playing future

The New York Rangers went all in ahead of the trade deadline, adding Vincent Trochek in the offseason and then acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane right before the final stretch towards what everyone imagined would be a deep run into the postseason. The New Jersey Devils dashed those hopes as they ousted the Rangers in seven games during Round 1, leaving everybody dumbfounded.

And Kane, uncertain about his future.

During his exit interview on Wednesday, Kane praised the Rangers training staff for getting him ready to play, however, he admitted that he was not 100 percent and hasn’t been for a while, per Dan Rosen of NHL.com 

When he was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Big Apple, reports emerged that Kane was struggling with an ailing hip injury. While playoff-Kane did come out for the Rangers, he was still playing hurt and now he looks into recovery before thinking about what comes in free agency.

He will have a better idea next week when he finds out whether he will require surgery or not.

Kane, who scored five goals and 12 assists in the 19 regular season games he played with New York after being acquired, is now eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The star forward was looking to hoist another Stanley Cup before hanging up the skates and if he is able to come back and sign with a contender, he could get another shot in 2023-24.

Coming off of an eight-year, 10.5 million per contract, Kane will have to accept a huge pay cut, especially if it means signing with a team that is likely at the top of the hard cap ceiling already.

With his health issues, maybe Kane will look for a one-year deal and one more chance at the championship. And he did mention that he would like to return as a Ranger. So, who knows? 

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