“Seems probable” Patrick Kane will play for an Atlantic Division team!

Patrick Kane has reportedly not approached the Chicago Blackhawks with a trade request. Yet.

There is a sense that Kane - and even captain Jonathan Toews - might asked to be moved closer to the trade deadline with the chance to play for a Stanley Cup contender. Hence, Matt Porter of the Boston Globe suggests it “seems probable” that Kane will play games this season for an Atlantic Division team.

Kane has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and his hometown Buffalo Sabres, while Mike Stephens of the Hockey News also suggested the Detroit Red Wings could be in the mix. No doubt the addition of Kane would send their rebuild into overdrive.

As for the Sabres and the Maple Leafs, it feels like they might not have the cap space to bring him on.

Kane will most likely look to join a contender as a playoff rental before the 2023 trade deadline. It could depend on how where teams land on the standings and Kane could pick one that can pull off a trade and make it all the way to the Stanley Cup.

There is a sense that Kane is after at least one last championship before he hangs up the skates - and we all know that’s not going to happen in Chicago.

And Porter believes it might happen out East.