5 possible landing spots for Chicago Blackhawks legend Patrick Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks officially closed the door on the Patrick Kane era when they traded their greatest player ever to the New York Rangers before last season’s trade deadline.

Kane is a free agent now and remains without a team as he recovers from offseason hip surgery. The chances of Kane coming back to Chicago is zero.

Kane said as much after last season ended and general manager Kyle Davidson wants the Connor Bedard era to be free of Kane and fellow legend Jonathan Toews.

Davidson’s desires are not meant to be spiteful or mean. Davidson just wants Bedard to grow without the shadow of legendary players much like Kane and Toews did when they started their careers.

It would be great to bring back Kane considering the Chicago Blackhawks will be without Taylor Hall for an unknown amount of time. Hall is on IR with a shoulder injury.

I know my colleague Vinnie Parise wants it to happen.

Bedard idolizes Kane and both have a similar game. There would be nothing better than for Bedard to grow his game skating alongside his hero.

Sadly, it is not going to happen because Kane does not want to be a part of a rebuild. Also, the organization desires to keep the book on Kane’s Blackhawks career closed. Plus, the Hawks have enough veteran leadership in Corey Perry, Nick Foligno, and Hall to show Bedard the NHL ropes.

Former Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane is looking for a team.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan recently speculated that five teams could be in the running to sign Patrick Kane once he is fully cleared to play.

Detroit Red Wings

This is not the first time Kane going to the Red Wings has been suggested. The Daily Herald’s John Dietz speculated Kaner to Detroit in September:

Kaplan’s reasoning is Detroit is off to a great start and they have Alex DeBrincat who Kane loved skating with. Also, this is the year the Red Wings want to get back into the playoffs.

It would be tough to see Kane wearing a Detroit sweater but Chris Chelios did it and he is still a beloved Chicago Blackhawks figure.

Buffalo Sabres

Did you know Patrick Kane is from Buffalo? If not, then you probably have not followed his career as Buffalo is the next city besides Chicago so closely tied to Kane.

Sabres fans have been dreaming of Kaner coming home to score goals. The Sabres are in dead last in the Atlantic right now so they need a draw at the gate. With the expectations that they have this season, they need a spark early on.

Florida Panthers

Kaplan reported that the Panthers did let Kane’s camp know they would be interested in signing him. They fell just short of the Stanley Cup last season so maybe Kane is the piece that puts them over the top. They would need to free up cap space as they are up against the cap.

Dallas Stars

The Stars were one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup when the season started. Adding Kane would help them immensely come playoff time and it saves the organization from having to make a trade. Although, they do not have a ton of cap space to work with.

Colorado Avalanche

This is Kaplan’s sleeper team. Colorado would also have to do some maneuvering with their cap situation to sign Kane.