After a failed stint with the New York Rangers a season ago, Patrick Kane signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings going into 2023-24. Kane, 35, had spent his entire career to that point with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won the Calder Trophy, Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, three Stanley Cup titles and a Conn Smythe Trophy. Now, Kane is looking for a new home and one last shot at glory before he hangs the skates up. Below we’ll go over the best team fits for Kane in free agency this offseason.
2024 NHL Free Agency Predictions: Patrick Kane
Buffalo Sabres
We’ll start with Kane’s hometown Sabres, a team we know he’d love to play for before his career is over. Buffalo has seemingly been on the cusp of getting into playoff contention for a while now. This Sabres team feels like they’re ready with a loaded forward group featuring Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Jeff Skinner, Dylan Cozens and youngsters J.J, Peterka, Jack Quinn and Zach Benson. On paper, the Sabres might have the three most talented young defensemen trio in the NHL in Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Bowen Byram. Lindy Ruff was brought back to be head coach and get the team over this hump. Say what you want about Ruff but he’s had plenty of success in the NHL.
Kane could fit in nicely in the top-6 next to Thompson or Cozens. The Sabres had one of the worst power plays in the NHL in 2023-24, ranking 29th at 16.6 percent. Kane has almost 400 power-play points in his NHL career. He’d also be a good add to the locker room, being able to mentor some of the younger skilled forwards. Buffalo needs winners and Kane has done nothing but that since joining the NHL in 2007. The Sabres could also afford to dish out another year on Kane’s contract given their cap situation.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins need a center more than anything but appear to be losing Jake DeBrusk to free agency. If that’s the case, Kane could be brought in as a replacement top-6 wing. Boston can look to free agency or trade to add a top-6 center. Adding Kane gives the Bruins more scoring depth next to David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. While the Bruins made the playoffs again pretty easily this season, the team finished middle-of-the-pack in goals (14th) and power-play percentage (14th). Kane would definitely be a boost to this offense and we know he wants to win. It would feel gross on both sides to see Kane in a Bruins jersey but fans and players would be able to put that off if he produces.
Colorado Avalanche
We’re going to throw out a wild card team and the Avs make a lot of sense for Kane. We don’t know what will happen with Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog. If the Avalanche go into next season without both wings, they could use someone like Kane to play up in the top-6. Colorado was top-5 in scoring and power-play percentage during the regular season. Almost a third of their goals came from Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The Avs need more scoring depth and Kane could be a player to step up if those two run a bit cold. Nichushkin was having a great season but couldn’t stay on the ice and it cost the Avs in the postseason. Perhaps you can convince Kane to take a discount on a short-term deal to try and help Colorado win another Cup.
