Insider Reveals 6 Teams With Interest In Blackhawks' Kane

The expectation is still that Patrick Kane is going to want to get traded before the deadline and have the opportunity at another playoff run with a contender. There is no shortage of trade interest for the Chicago Blackhawks' star as six teams have shown interest this season and are all Stanley Cup contenders - Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, per David Pagnotta.

The Stars have an obvious hole in their top-six with Joel Kiviranta lining up on the wing of the second line. The 26-year-old has just four goals and no assists in 32 games and the team doesn't want to break up the very productive third line of Jamie Benn, Wyatt Johnston, and Mason Marchment. The team has a few candidates they could send back to help clear the cap space like Denis Gurianov or Radek Faksa.

The Maple Leafs have the need for a top-six forward who can produce and have the cap space with Jake Muzzin's $5.625 million on the LTIR. The defence needs no more improvements since everyone has stepped up, but scoring and forward depth can surely be improved. It would be a huge move if the Maple Leafs could pull this off and get past the first round.

The Oilers are right up against the cap when Evander Kane returns from his injury, but do have a couple of pieces they could part with to free up cap space - Jesse Puljujarvi in particular. Acquiring Patrick Kane would be a huge move bringing in his playoff experience like what Duncan Keith brought to the team last season. It would also deepen the forward group significantly, giving the team the ability to really spread out the scoring.

The Avalanche have dealt with significant injuries this season, but their real problem has been finding their second line centre replacement for Nazem Kadri. Adding a rental like Kane could deepen their forward group nonetheless and the depth hasn't produced at all this season. Kane could be the piece that helps the Avalanche go on another run.

As for the New York teams, the Rangers are more equipped to bring in Kane than the Islanders are. They have more young pieces to move and even to offer Kane a contract. They have won seven in a row and are starting to look like the team from last season. A reunion with Artemi Panarin could be amazing for the team and allow the third line of Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Alexis Lafreniere to stay together.

The Islanders are a similar team to what we saw of them when they made back-to-back conference finals appearances, but they need that star winger. Their best two forwards are both centering the top two lines. Pair Kane's playmaking ability with the goal-scoring of Brock Nelson or Anders Lee and the Islanders could even take the next step this season. It would take a lot of talent to be able to trade for and re-sign Kane.

Whatever happens, Blackhawks will lose out big if Kane decides to stick around all season and not waive his no-move clause.