8 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks start to the offseason
By Todd Welter
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews’s days with the Chicago Blackhawks are numbered.
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have been the faces of the franchise since 2007. Their arrival jump-started a downtrodden franchise that became completely irrelevant in the Chicago sports landscape.
The two icons have won three Stanley Cups with each winning a Conn Smythe Trophy. Toews and Kane are shoe-ins for the Hall of Fame and to have their numbers hanging from the United Center rafters. It would not be shocking if one day a statue is erected outside the arena to honor both.
They are also in the last year of their deals. In March, Kane did say he would be inclined to stick through the rebuild years if DeBrincat was still on the roster.
Now that DeBrincat is off to Ottawa, the chances of Kane wanting to re-sign long-term might be slim. Kane is at least committed to starting the season in Chicago.
A number of teams have inquired about Patrick Kane in recent days, but they've been told a trade is unlikely at this time.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 13, 2022
Kane and #Blackhawks have been in continuous dialogue. He'd like to see how season goes, and it would be an in-season move - if at all.@DailyFaceoff
Kane has a no-movement clause so he holds the cards on if he will allow the Chicago Blackhawks to trade him. Toews also has a no-movement clause so he will control where he will go.
Richardson did say he had a productive conversation with his two franchise icons and Toews will also be ready to captain the team.
Luke Richardson met with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and says "they seem good to go."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 15, 2022
"They said they're driven to get their game and the team's game on course so we can have some success as much as possible this year."
A full-scale rebuild like this will probably mean next season will be a farewell tour for Kane and Toews. One reason is unless both get hurt, Kane and Toews still have trade value. Toews’ play has declined after all those years of physical play but he still provides great leadership, wins faceoffs, and could help any contender win a Stanley Cup.
Kane is still playing at a high level that can net some picks and prospects. Plus, it would be best to move them at the trade deadline before they could lose them for nothing.
If moving DeBrincat has shown anything, it is Davidson is valuing salary cap flexibility. Kane can still command a high average value on the salary cap. It might not be in the best interest, other than to sell tickets, to tie up salary cap space during a rebuild on a player in his mid-30s.
Although, Kane is aging like a fine wine. By the time the Blackhawks are ready to contend, Kane’s skills may have eroded to where it might not be worth tying up the salary cap space. Instead, it would be better for the Hawks to get some more draft picks and prospects.
Toews is still a great team leader but he has stated in the past that he is not exactly thrilled with being a part of a long-term rebuild. If he is not willing to wear the “C” long term, the Blackhawks should get what they can for him at the trade deadline.