Frontrunner Emerging For Patrick Kane

It's starting to sound like we'll have an answer from Patrick Kane on his new home by the end of this week, or shortly after Thanksgiving. And much of the talk on the circuit is starting to indicate that the Florida Panthers may just be the leading frontrunner to land the former 3-time Stanley Cup champ.

Kane has also spoken with the likes of Detroit, Buffalo, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Toronto, but NHL Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff lays out the groundwork of why Kane could possibly be taking his talents to South Beach.

Per @frank_seravalli when asked what the latest is on Patrick Kane:

“What I can tell you is a lot of teams are wondering if the Florida Panthers are the front runners for Kane’s services. You can see the start they’re off to, they very well of that group be the best chance for… pic.twitter.com/b2Wnco6A3L
— David R (@David954FLA) November 21, 2023

What I can tell you is a lot of teams are wondering if the Florida Panthers are the front runners for Kane’s services. You see the start they’re off to, (of all of his pursuers) they (could be) the best chance for Kane to chase a fourth Stanley Cup this season. You see how dynamic their offense has been, ... and there seems to be some thought that the Panthers could be a multi-year destination... He would be a very interesting fit in South Florida.

The Panthers' cap space may not allow for a multi-year deal right off the bat, but the suggestion is that by signing with them now, an extension could open up once their cap space clears up.

Fellow Insider Eric Duhatschek writes something similar in The Athletic on Tuesday, suggesting "At his age (35), and dealing with what will probably be a vigorous, daily maintenance regime (coming off his hip resurfacing surgery), it’ll just be easier to tackle that in a warm-weather climate, where you’re outdoors all the time, moving around freely, able to stretch.

"The Panthers should be competitive for the remaining arc of Kane’s career. He’ll get a chance to play for a players’ coach in Paul Maurice and have a different professional experience than in Chicago and for a short while last season in New York."

All signs pointing towards Kane heading to South Florida? We should know the answer within the week.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports