Patrick Kane has been the centre of a lot of attention this off-season, and with the Chicago Blackhawks clearly heading into a rebuild, the only two pieces remaining from an incredible run in Chicago are Jonothan Toews and Patty Kane. It's clear that they're no long needed in Chicago, and while the 'Hawks will have to retain some salary, it's just a matter of time until the two leaders from their run, in which they won 3 Stanley Cups are moved elsewhere.
Almost every playoff team in 2022 has been connected to Kane in some way or another, but ultimately, fit matters, and there are three teams that stand out above the rest as needing someone like Kane, and having the ability to make a trade happen. So the following are the three best landing spots for 3-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane, and when you factor everything in , they'll be the best landing spots for either party.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have famously struggled to make it past the first round, as they've not won a playoff series in nearly 20-years, so bringing in a veteran that's led his team to three Cups, while still being productive would be a huge move for Toronto. The Leafs may not have as appealing of a package as other teams do, but if they're willing to give up any future that they may have to acquire Kane and finally go on a deep playoff run, then they may potentially do that for the 2022 season.
It's unclear whether Kane will be moved before the deadline or before the 2022/23 campaign begins, but either way, Toronto should strongly consider pursuing someone that will help lift this entire team and potentially help them finally get over that first speed bump on the way to a Stanley Cup run.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have the best player in the NHL and potentially the most talented centre depth in the league, so the thought of Patrick Kane playing alongside either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl would absolutely terrify the Western Conference. The Oilers salary cap situation definitely isn't as good as other teams that could possibly acquire him, but after fixing the goal tending situation this off-season, adding another star would help them keep pace with the likes of Colorado in 2022.
The Oilers are primed and ready for a deep Cup run this upcoming year, and the addition of Kane could make them easily the second best team out West, but for a team that doesn't have the pieces to offer Chicago, they may need to get creative in order to acquire him.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers have been the obvious landing spot from day one, as they could use an experienced right wing to help them on their quest for the first Stanley Cup for this franchise since 1994. On top of that, the Rangers currently have one of Kane's former teammates and good friends in Artemi Panarin, and a line with those two in 2022 would be absolutely electric, especially as the second line behind Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrienere.
The Rangers have the young names and future picks to make a deal happen, and after a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, this team has made it clear that they're ready to compete with the best. This one just makes too much sense, and at this point, many around the league expect this to happen either before the season, or at the trade deadline.
Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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