Earlier this week, reports hinted at Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane only wanting to be traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs or New York Rangers, despite the latter already acquiring the services of Vladimir Tarasenko.
It was therefore Kane’s chance to impress in Toronto on Wednesday night as the Blackhawks came to face the Maple Leafs. It was however easy to tell, from his first few shifts against the team he supposedly wants to trade to, he appeared to have very little left in the tank… The Hawks lost 5-2 and Kane ended the game with no points and a -1 rating.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman now reports that Kane is not happy, and not just about the Rangers choosing Tarasenko over him. There is a sense that the Blackhawks’ star forward is angry that reports have emerged on his hip injury and have allegedly affected his trade value ahead of the deadline.
This is from Friedman’s 32 Thoughts:
“Spent a lot of time watching Patrick Kane the last few games. There’s a few things I think here. First and foremost, I think reality setting in has been an enormous shock. No matter what was pitched to him, or what he was told, it sure seems like there was hope/desire to stay at least another season. Barring that, the Rangers were his first choice. Now, we’re not looking at either option, so he’s stunned.
People who know Kane are convinced he’s still got plenty to offer and badly desires to show it somewhere else. Wednesday in Toronto was a perfect opportunity to make a splash on a massive stage, but it was an ugly 5-2 loss. I understand how much losing sucks, and he’s reeling from what’s happening. But he’s got to do two things: let everyone know where he’s willing to go (if anywhere) and put on a show in the meantime. Kane clearly is annoyed about the speculation surrounding his hip, but he’s got to show it’s not an issue.
I think Edmonton’s interested, and has reached out. I think Dallas has considered it. I’ve wondered about Vegas, and my belief is Toronto wants to know whether or not it’s actually in the mix before considering anything. As one GM said Wednesday, “If Patrick Kane is interested in you, you have to think about it.” This is a complicated deal, and I’m not sure how much longer anyone is willing to wait. You don’t want to be the abandoned bride at the altar.”
Kane remains in control as he has a full no-movement clause. We get that he would love to join former teammate Artemi Panarin in New York, however, the Rangers have $1.170 million in projected deadline cap space.
There is a belief that the Blue Shirts might have gone with Tarasenko instead upon learning about Kane’s lingering hip issues. He as missed four games this season due to lower body injury, and has posted nine goals and 26 assists in 49 games.
It even feels like Toronto are too cap-strapped, with only $1.130 million in deadline cap space, to make this Kane blockbuster happen. A third team could have to be brought into these potential transactions in order to split Kane’s $10.5 million annual cap, but it feels like it’s stretching it…
Kane does have control in where he could be moved, but he might have to expand his list of contenders if he does want out of Chicago…
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