Patrick Kane could be back on the ice in the near future.
The three-time Stanley Cup winner is expected to sign an NHL contract by Thanksgiving, amid rehabilitation from hip surgery, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
However, Kane is not expected to return to the New York Rangers, who “have never been in the right wing group,” Brooks added.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning are among the teams reportedly interested in signing Kane, according to Brooks.
Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff reported on October 17 that the Sabers were a team to watch when drafting Kane as he grew up in Buffalo. Additionally, Seravalli reported that Kane is “keeping tabs on” the Red Wings.
Athleticism Chris Johnston reported on October 19 that the Panthers had expressed interest in signing Kane this winter, and Sportsnet Eliott Friedman added that the franchise had been “aggressive” in its pursuit of the winger.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are considered a “longer-term suitor” to sign the veteran, Johnston reported on November 8.
It’s unclear if Kane is looking for a long-term deal or a one-year deal to prove he’s healthy and can still compete at a high level following a hip resurfacing procedure.
The 34-year-old, who turns 35 on Sunday, was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Rangers at the deadline for the 2022-23 season. Although he scored five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 19 games with the Blueshirts, he ultimately did not live up to expectations.
Prior to the trade, Kane had spent his entire 15-and-a-half-year career with the Blackhawks, helping the team win three Stanley Cups. He also recorded 446 goals and 779 assists for 1,225 points in 1,161 games in Chicago.
With the 2023-24 season in full swing, it will be interesting to see where Kane ends up and how he can help this team in their quest for the Stanley Cup.
