TSN’s Pierre LeBrun shared on the latest episode of Insider Trading that Patrick Kane could be moved at the trade deadline if Detroit doesn’t hang on to their playoff contention. LeBrun continued by saying that Kane’s agent, Pat Brisson, and Wings general manager, Steve Yzerman, discussed all possibilities prior to the future Hall of Famer signing in Motor City, including the chance of Kane needing to find a new home to ensure another playoff berth.
Kane is signed to a one-year contract and clearly hoping to make it an efficient year. The 35-year-old winger has already had 11 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances through his 16-year, winning the Cup three times with the Chicago Blackhawks. But he’s missed much of the postseason over the last six years, only seeing the playoffs in 2019-20, with the Blackhawks, and in 2022-23, with the New York Rangers.
If Detroit isn’t able to maintain their playoff spot, the Insider Trading panel mentioned the Buffalo Sabres as a potential alternative for Kane. The panel shared that Buffalo doesn’t lack any interest in the star winger, enjoying the strong veteran presence that he would bring to a locker room. The Sabres and Red Wings are bound to be close in the playoff race come the end of the year, with the teams currently separated by five points in the standings.
Other notes from around the league:
- Ryan Hartman is set to return after receiving a two-game suspension for dangerously tripping Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat. Hartman has appeared in 18 games with Minnesota this season, scoring seven goals and 11 points. The Wild were able to end a seven-game losing streak while Hartman was out, winning both games by multiple goals. They’ll look to keep the momentum going with Hartman back in the lineup.
- Timo Meier has been named a “possibility” for the New Jersey Devils’ Friday matchup against the San Jose Sharks, according to head coach Lindy Ruff. Meier has been out of action since November 14th with an undisclosed injury. He has scored 11 points in 14 games with the Devils this season.
Why the hell would Detroit trade Kane to Buffalo when they’re likely to be in similar positions (unless Detroit tightens their grip on a spot)?