Red Wings: It's When, Not If Patrick Kane Gets Traded

The Detroit Red Wings season is not going according to plan as they sit 15th in the Eastern Conference and 28th in the league. The team has just not found a way to win and while the youth injected into the team and the core is pretty solid, there has to and is going to be some changes this season barring a major mid-season turnaround.

The Red Wings are 30th in goals for (87), 21st in goals against (111), and tied for 30th in goal differential (-23) in 34 games. This isn't all one player's fault, but as far as production has gone, Patrick Kane has not been the difference maker as advertised. He can still produce even though his five goals and 14 points would suggest he has fallen off a fair bit. The former Stanley Cup champion also wants to win and in the final year of his contract, it doesn't seem like he is going to have that chance with Detroit.

It hasn't worked out for the Red Wings since Kane signed with them. They missed the playoffs last season and have taken a step back in 2024-25. Kane controls his destiny since he has a full no-trade clause. More than one contender would surely be interested in acquiring his services at some point this season, whether it is due to injury or an upgrade.

The Red Wings can retain half if his cap hit, but like Kane controlled where he was traded to from the Chicago Blackhawks, there is a good chance he does the same if he can this season. Even with a lower cap hit, he might find it a bit tougher because his production is down, but a team like the Dallas Stars who lost Tyler Seguin, have a spot open, cap space, and are a serious contender as usual.

Kane is a winner and that is a major factor in contending teams' decision to bring someone in. The real question is when the Red Wings look to move Kane. His trade to the New York Rangers from the Blackhawks was at the deadline and it does not look good in Detroit right now. While it would make sense to move on from the veteran sooner, a trade will likely take place at the deadline again. There will be a coaching change before that happens if this path continues.