Frontrunners for 3-time Stanley Cup winner revealed

As the dust begins to settle on NHL's free agency class of 2023, one prominent member still remains without a home in 3-time Stanley Cup champion, Patrick Kane.

Kane underwent successful hip surgery on the 2nd of June and was expected to miss 4-6 months, which would set a return timeline anywhere between October to December.

After spending his first 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 1,225 points in 1,161 games, he was traded at the deadline to the New York Rangers, where he chipped in with a modest 12 points in 19 games and an additional 6 points in the post-season.

He was adamant about being traded to the Rangers ahead of the deadline and essentially nixed any other team in the process. New York had already acquired Vladimir Tarasenko but they were given ample amount of time to move mountains to get the Kane deal done as well. Unfortunately they dropped their first round matchup to the New Jersey Devils.


Arthur Staple of The Athletic wrote that as of right now there are a few front runners for his sweepstakes in New York, Colorado, Edmonton, and maybe even Buffalo. He said that if the Rangers feel they need him once again, Chris Drury won't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Staple also mentions that Kane really enjoyed his short stint with New York and really wants to prove to everyone that he still has something left in the tank. Edmonton and Colorado are also ideal landing spots if they can get the money to work and would give him a great chance to win. While his hometown of Buffalo could be enticing if they are able to start the season with the same gusto they had to finish their 2022-23 campaign.