Patrick Kane informs Red Wings on trade deadline plans

Patrick Kane came off the free agent market earlier this week when he signed a one-year, $2.75M deal with the Detroit Red Wings. He inked a prorated $2.75 million, meaning he’ll make just over $2 million through mid-April.The veteran forward is thrilled to reunite with former teammate Alex DeBrincat and believes the Red Wings are in a good position to clinch a playoff spot this time around.

However, what if they don’t? Pierre LeBrun reported on last night’s Insider Trading on TSN how Kane and his agent Pat Brisson talked to the Red Wings about this possible reality and what it could mean for the star forward’s trade deadline plans.

“ It’s kind of weird to mention this before he’s even played a game, but the fact of the matter is, this was part of the conversation between the Red Wings and Patrick Kane’s camp, led by agent Pat Brisson. The Red Wings put a lot of thought and planning into this signing and part of it is, getting ahead of every possible scenario. Of course, the hope is that No. 88 gets them in the playoffs and it’s a great story and that’s what their focus is. But, if they fall out, Pat Brisson and Steve Yzerman have had that conversation about ‘ok, well let’s have that conversation closer to the deadline. Let’s see what Patrick Kane wants.’ It’s possible that he gets flipped and therefore the Red Wings get an asset for Patrick who is a UFA [on] July 1. He has the full no-trade clause, Patrick Kane does, him and Pat Brisson would have a big say, but the bottom line is, this is a win-win for Detroit. He either gets them in the playoffs, it’s a great story or Detroit potentially at least nets an asset from the future Hall of Famer.”

Kane will surely do his best to get Detroit in the playoffs as the Red Wings will be trying to end a seven-year postseason drought that stands as the franchise’s longest since the 1970s. However, if they fall short, Kane could asked GM Steve Yzerman to pull the trigger and send him to a contender.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion has been clear since he was traded to the New York Rangers at last year’s deadline how he is seeking a fourth championship before he hangs up the skates.

Kane chose the Red Wings over quite a few other interested teams, including his hometown Buffalo Sabres , the Toronto Maple Leafs and the reigning Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers .

Could he regret choosing Detroit over one of these suitors? I guess he could change his mind and ask for a trade closer to the deadline if the Wings can reach the postseason…

Kane is likely to make his season debut on Tuesday in his hometown of Buffalo against the Sabres. The watch will be on from then on to see if he ends the 2023-24 season in that same uniform…

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