Kane, Toews: Trade Decisions on Horizon

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Kane, Toews staying focused with Blackhawks amid trade rumors

Longtime forward, captain each in final season of 8-year contract

https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-kane-jonthan-toews-on-trade-rumors/c-340453384

 

 

 

CALGARY -- Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews understand a decision about their futures with the Chicago Blackhawks is on the horizon, and quickly approaching.

 

The Blackhawks forwards are in each in the final season of eight-year contracts they signed July 9, 2014, and have no movement clauses. Kane has played 16 NHL seasons and Toews 15, all for Chicago. Toews missed the entire 2020-21 season because of what he called chronic immune response syndrome. He and Kane are three-time Stanley Cup champions (2010, 2013, 2015).

 

"I usually touch in with my agent every week just to kind of see what's going on," Kane said. "But you don't really pay too much attention to the noise because you're under control of what you want to do, if you want to stay or go play somewhere else. That decision really hasn't been made yet. I'm sure more serious discussions will happen in the next couple of weeks and then we'll see what happens."

 

The Blackhawks are 15-28-4, second-to-last in the NHL, and have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in four of the past five seasons. Toews did not play in a 5-1 win at the Calgary Flames on Thursday because of a non-COVID illness.

 

"It's definitely been interesting to kind of hear some rumors," Toews said. "That stuff's always kind of funny and entertaining. I've never really been in this position in my career, so I'm obviously thankful for that. I think my motto has just been focus on today and keep my energy and my focus and my attention in this locker room and on my game. That isn't really changing. Obviously, people want to talk as we get closer to the deadline and stuff like that."

 

The 2023 NHL Trade Deadline is March 3. The rapidly approaching date, combined with the Blackhawks' rebuilding status, has fueled plenty of speculation.

 

"That's the media's job is to speculate and talk about 'what if' situations," Toews said. "Sometimes you let your mind wander a little bit to what that would be like, too. You have to think about that stuff. It's your life, your career. But I haven't let myself get into it and read into it too much."

 

Toews, named Blackhawks captain July 18, 2008, won the Conn Smythe Trophy voted as playoff MVP in 2010 and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2015. He's third on Chicago with 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 45 games this season, and has 879 points (370 goals, 509 assists) in 1,059 regular-season games.

 

Kane won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013 and the Hart Trophy (League MVP), Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player as voted by NHLPA members) and Art Ross Trophy (NHL scoring champion) in 2015-16. He has 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 44 games, second behind forward Max Domi (34 points; 14 goals, 20 assists). Kane's 1,212 points (439 goals, 773 assists) in 1,151 games are second in Blackhawks history to Stan Mikita (1,467; 541 goals, 926 assists).

 

"We've had some discussions already, but probably more serious ones getting into the thick of it after the bye week break for us (Jan. 29-Feb. 6) when we come back," Kane said. "We've got a couple games left, focus on those, enjoy the break, and then after I think it'll start to get real."

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Kane, Toews know trade decisions loom

 

Kane, Toews staying focused with Blackhawks amid trade rumors

Longtime forward, captain each in final season of 8-year contract

https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-kane-jonthan-toews-on-trade-rumors/c-340453384

 

 

CALGARY -- Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews understand a decision about their futures with the Chicago Blackhawks is on the horizon, and quickly approaching.

 

The Blackhawks forwards are in each in the final season of eight-year contracts they signed July 9, 2014, and have no movement clauses. Kane has played 16 NHL seasons and Toews 15, all for Chicago. Toews missed the entire 2020-21 season because of what he called chronic immune response syndrome. He and Kane are three-time Stanley Cup champions (2010, 2013, 2015).

 

"I usually touch in with my agent every week just to kind of see what's going on," Kane said. "But you don't really pay too much attention to the noise because you're under control of what you want to do, if you want to stay or go play somewhere else. That decision really hasn't been made yet. I'm sure more serious discussions will happen in the next couple of weeks and then we'll see what happens."

 

The Blackhawks are 15-29-4, second-to-last in the NHL, and have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in four of the past five seasons. 

 

"It's definitely been interesting to kind of hear some rumors," Toews said. "That stuff's always kind of funny and entertaining. I've never really been in this position in my career, so I'm obviously thankful for that. I think my motto has just been focus on today and keep my energy and my focus and my attention in this locker room and on my game. That isn't really changing. Obviously, people want to talk as we get closer to the deadline and stuff like that."

 

The 2023 NHL Trade Deadline is March 3. The rapidly approaching date, combined with the Blackhawks' rebuilding status, has fueled plenty of speculation.

"That's the media's job is to speculate and talk about 'what if' situations," Toews said. "Sometimes you let your mind wander a little bit to what that would be like, too. You have to think about that stuff. It's your life, your career. But I haven't let myself get into it and read into it too much."

 

Toews, named Blackhawks captain July 18, 2008, won the Conn Smythe Trophy voted as playoff MVP in 2010 and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2015. He's third on Chicago with 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 46 games this season, and has 880 points (371 goals, 509 assists) in 1,060 regular-season games.

 

Kane won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013 and the Hart Trophy (League MVP), Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player as voted by NHLPA members) and Art Ross Trophy (NHL scoring champion) in 2015-16. He has 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) in 45 games, second behind forward Max Domi (35 points; 14 goals, 21 assists). Kane's 1,214 points (439 goals, 775 assists) in 1,152 games are second in Blackhawks history to Stan Mikita (1,467; 541 goals, 926 assists).

 

"We've had some discussions already, but probably more serious ones getting into the thick of it after the bye week break for us (Jan. 29-Feb. 6) when we come back," Kane said. "We've got a couple games left, focus on those, enjoy the break, and then after I think it'll start to get real."

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Examining the trade landscape for Toews and Kane

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/travis-yost-examining-the-trade-landscape-for-jonathan-toews-and-patrick-kane-1.1912986

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Kane noncommittal about Blackhawks future ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

Pending UFA forward will continue discussions with agent, GM up to 3 p.m. ET on March 3

https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-kane-noncommittal-about-blackhawks-future-ahead-of-nhl-trade-deadline/c-340761788?tid=277548856

 

CHICAGO -- Patrick Kane said he's still undecided on what he wants to do before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET on March 3, but admits he's thought about the possibility of playing with a team other than the Chicago Blackhawks.

 

When asked which team would be the best choice for him, Kane said Monday, "I don't know. It's tough to decide if we're getting to that point yet, so I think there are definitely opportunities out there that are intriguing and could be exciting. We'll see."

 

The 34-year-old forward has played his entire 16-season NHL career for the Blackhawks.

 

"We talked about it in the summer with Pat (Brisson, his agent)," Kane said. "We'll just probably be taking it up to the deadline and making a decision. I mean, he's told me a few that have reached out to him. So yeah, we'll probably talk about that possibly too, if that's an option of getting traded and obviously figure out a team that could be the best fit. But we're not really at that point either."

 

The Blackhawks (15-29-4) are rebuilding and last in the Central Division with 34 points, also tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for fewest in the NHL.

Kane and center Jonathan Toews, who helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015, are each in the final season of an eight-year contract signed July 9, 2014. Each also has a full no-move clause, and Toews has been captain since July 18, 2008.

 

Kane has 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists), second on the Blackhawks behind Max Domi (35 points; 14 goals, 21 assists). His 1,214 points (439 goals, 775 assists) are second in franchise history to Stan Mikita (1,467).

 

Toews has missed two days with a non-COVID related illness and will likely not play against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; NBCSCH, BSSC, ESPN+, SN NOW). He's third for Chicago with 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) and sixth in team history with 880 (371 goals, 509 assists).

 

Blackhawks executive officer Danny Wirtz said Monday that he's in constant contact with general manager Kyle Davidson regarding any possible trade movement but didn't want to speculate on what could happen with Kane and/or Toews.

 

"By no means, I can't stress enough, Kane and Toews, what they mean to our family, the organization, the city," Wirtz said. "No matter what happens, from this day on, I think we can all agree they will be cemented in Blackhawks history. They're going to be in the (Hockey) Hall of Fame. They're tremendously important.

 

"The hard part of these things is, it's sort of a decision we have to make at this stage of their career. But we're going to let that play out as it needs to from the players' perspective, the agent and obviously Kyle all working together, in constant contact to do what's right for the players and do what's right for the organization."

Edited February 7, 2023 by NHL HHOF

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Kane, Toews among players to watch ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

Blackhawks forward, prime candidates to move by March 3

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-trade-deadline-players-to-watch/c-341099312?tid=278542340

 

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Kane has a no movement clause and would have to approve any trade. The 34-year-old, who is a pending UFA, has scored at least 20 goals 14 times in his 16-season NHL career and would be a top line player on any team. Kane is a three-time Stanley Cup winner (2010, 2013, 2015) and proven playoff performer with 132 points (52 goals, 80 assists) in 136 games. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013.

 

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

The 34-year-old center is a pending UFA who has seen his offense decline in each of the past three seasons but has more than 370 goals and over 1,000 regular-season games on his resume. Toews is Blackhawks captain and a leader on and off the ice who has won the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015). He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010.

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Jets Should Stay Away from a Toews Trade at the Deadline

February 17, 2023 by Connor Hrabchak

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/jets-should-stay-away-from-toews-trade-2023-deadline/

 

The Winnipeg Jets are primed for the 2023 Trade Deadline. They’ve spent months saving their cap space to make a big move, one that became especially clear after their 3-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb 16. Of all the names floating about ahead of the deadline, Jonathan Toews is one that The Fourth Period has linked to the Jets.

 

It is a cool story, bringing the Winnipeg-born, three-time Stanley Cup winner back to his hometown to compete in the playoffs. The community even named the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex after him in 2010 after his first championship. Despite the golden storylines, there are better options available for a similar price.

 

Cost for Toews Is Too High

 

Many have talked about Toews’ league-leading 63.3 percent faceoff percentage, and while the Jets could use some help in this area, they have much bigger needs to address. Despite his experience, he would not crack the team’s top six.

 

There have also been questions about Toews’ health after he was forced to miss the entirety of the 2020-21 season due to chronic immune response disorder. He is currently out of the lineup due to an undisclosed illness, which has caused him to miss five straight games.

 

The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the worst records in the NHL this season at 16-32-5. Their struggles have dropped Toews’ plus/minus to a staggering minus-24. The Jets have been waiting to use their cap space, and are one of the few teams that can fit his $10.5 million cap hit, but even if 50% of his salary is retained, there are better options on the market for the organization to target.

 

Toews Would Not Be an Upgrade

 

Toews is great at taking faceoffs, but with Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois as the team’s top two centres, and Adam Lowry having one of the best seasons of his career – he is on pace to break his previous career-high of 29 points in 82 games set in 2016-17 – Toews would likely be the Jets’ fourth-line centre.

Yes, Toews has more goals and points than Lowry this season, but his even-strength numbers are lacking, as shown by this regularized adjusted plus/minus (RAPM) chart from Evolving Hockey.

 

The chart shows that Toews’ defensive metrics are not what they used to be. The 34-year-old has plenty of experience in the NHL, but his role would be minimal in Winnipeg. While acquiring a bottom-six centre may be a good idea, one that costs as much as Toews should not be on the organization’s radar. Instead, they should be looking to target middle-six wingers who can move up and down the lineup.

 

Better Options Include Garland, Boeser, Henrique

 

Two middle-six wingers who are reportedly available are the Vancouver Canucks’ Conor Garland and Brock Boeser. They also have term on their contracts and could add a scoring touch to an offence that desperately needs it. Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks has 33 points in 54 games and would presumably cost less than Toews to acquire.

 

These are all options to consider if they miss out on the big-name acquisition of Timo Meier, who will cost a hefty price, but worth it for the production that he would bring to the top six. He is one of the most dynamic wingers in the league and would provide the franchise with a ton of offensive flexibility.

 

Not only is Toews one of the more expensive options out there, but his production does not match his cost. The Jets desperately need a middle-six winger with a scoring touch, and Toews does not fit that role. The team’s assets are better spent making a big swing rather than slightly improving the bottom-six.

 

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Toews dealing with symptoms of long COVID, stepping back for Blackhawks

Forward says he will 'concentrate on getting healthy,' hasn't played since Jan. 28

https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-jonathan-toews-status-update/c-341267186

 

 

CHICAGO -- Jonathan Toews is stepping back to deal with the effects of long COVID-19 but the Chicago Blackhawks hope their captain will play again this season.
 

"We know this has been a real difficult period for him. We miss him being around the team and we want to get him back around the team and on the ice," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Sunday. "But in the meantime, we're going to work with him and support him in whatever he needs to make sure he's feeling good and feeling strong and in a spot where he can come back on the ice. We'll take it day by day, but the hope is he can still play some games here down the stretch."

 

The 34-year-old forward has been out since the All-Star break with a non-COVID related illness. He has not played since a 7-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 28 and has not practiced with the Blackhawks since they returned from their bye week Feb. 5.

 

"First of all, thank you to the fans and all those who have shown concern about my absence," Toews said in a statement. "I'm still dealing with the symptoms of Long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome.

 

"It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms. In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy. I am thankful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Blackhawks organization."

 

Davidson said Toews' illness has "kind of been an ongoing thing." 

 

"It started previous to the All-Star break," he said. "It's not something that just came up. We're kind of dealing with it alongside him for some time now."

Asked how this impacts Toews' status before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, which is 3 p.m. ET on March 3, Davidson said, "we're not thinking about (the trade deadline). We're trying to help him get back to full strength and that's totally secondary."

 

Toews and Patrick Kane, who have been subjects of much speculation regarding where they could go at the deadline, are each in the final season of an eight-year contract signed July 9, 2014.

 

"It's definitely been interesting to kind of hear some rumors," Toews said Jan. 27. "That stuff's always kind of funny and entertaining. I've never really been in this position in my career, so I'm obviously thankful for that. I think my motto has just been focus on today and keep my energy and my focus and my attention in this locker room and on my game. That isn't really changing. Obviously, people want to talk as we get closer to the deadline and stuff like that."

 

Toews and Kane won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. They played their 1,000th NHL game as teammates in a 7-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Dec. 18.

 

Toews missed the entire 2020-21 season with what he called chronic immune response syndrome. 

 

"He's talked about his past a little bit, what he's gone through. But, you know, I wasn't here and gone through that timeline with him," Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said. "I think he was just at times this year feeling some fatigue and soreness and battling through it at the beginning of the year. It just got to the point where he felt like it was too much and affecting him physically. I think it's got to the point now where he's trying to figure that out."

 

Named Blackhawks captain July 18, 2008, Toews won the Conn Smythe Trophy voted as MVP of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the 2015 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2015. The No. 3 selection in the 2006 NHL Draft is third on Chicago with 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 46 games this season, and has 880 points (371 goals, 509 assists) in 1,060 regular-season games.

 

The Blackhawks (17-32-5) are last in the Central Division and host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday (6 p.m. ET; ESPN+, HULU, TVAS, SNO).

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NHL Trade Buzz: Kane still weighing options with Blackhawks

Motte familiar fit for Rangers; Jets players preparing for moves

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-trade-buzz-news-and-notes-february-20/c-341296662?tid=278542340

 

Chicago Blackhawks

 

Patrick Kane said he was disappointed when the New York Rangers acquired forward Vladimir Tarasenkofrom the St. Louis Blues last week because he had some interest in being traded to the Rangers. He didn't have the same reaction when the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Ryan O'Reilly from the Blues on Friday.

 

"I don't think there was -- at least that I know of -- much discussion of that being an option," Kane said after he had a hat trick, the ninth of his NHL regular-season career, in Chicago's 5-3 win against the Maple Leafs at United Center on Sunday.

 

"I think there's a lot of different reports out there and not all of them are true. Got to be careful what you listen to."

 

Kane is still mulling what he'll do before the NHL Trade Deadline. He's in the final season of the eight-year contract he signed with the Blackhawks on July 9, 2014 and has a full no-movement clause.

 

He said he's been having discussions with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson and his agent Pat Brisson "pretty much every day for the past few weeks" and said the impending deadline is not weighing on him.

 

"It is what it is," he said. "It's just the situation that it is, so it's like, what are you going to do about it? That's kind of where we're at." 

 

Davidson said Sunday he expects a decision by Kane "soon" -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

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Kane among players to watch ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

Blackhawks forward prime candidate to move by March 3

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-trade-deadline-players-to-watch/c-341099312?tid=278542340

 

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Kane has a no-movement clause and would have to approve any trade. The 34-year-old, who is a pending UFA, has scored at least 20 goals 14 times in his 16-season NHL career and would be a top line player on any team. Kane is a three-time Stanley Cup winner (2010, 2013, 2015) and proven playoff performer with 132 points (52 goals, 80 assists) in 136 games. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013.

 

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Trade Buzz: Patrick Kane doesn't practice, undecided on future

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-trade-buzz-news-and-notes-february-24/c-341456226?tid=278542340

 

Chicago Blackhawks

 

The drama surrounding Patrick Kane continues to grow with one week to go before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 3 (3 p.m. ET). 

 

The Blackhawks center did not practice Friday because of what the team said was a maintenance day. This following on off day on Thursday. 

 

"I think he feels good. He had a smile on his face. He's just a little sore," coach Brad Richardson said Friday. "I saw him after the game [Wednesday], and you know, I think he's a burning heart, like, I mean, he's going hard right now and he's feeling it. So I think it's just smart. He doesn't need to practice every day."

 

Also Thursday, speculation about a trade Kane to the New York Rangers hit a fever pitch when New York announced forwards Vitali Kravtsov and Jake Leschyshyn were being scratched for their game at the Detroit Red Wings for roster management reasons.

 

But after the Rangers news broke, Kane's agent, Pat Brisson, told Pierre LeBrun of TSN, "Patrick hasn't made any decision at this point."

 

Kane has a full no-movement clause in his contract, meaning he can dictate where he's traded if he decides that's what he wants. He has expressed interest in the Rangers and said he was disappointed when they acquired Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 9.

 

The 34-year-old has 10 points (seven goals, three assists) during a four-game point streak. 

 

The Blackhawks next play at the San Jose Sharks on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, NBCSCH, ESPN+, SN NOW).

 

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3 Positives of the Blackhawks Keeping Patrick Kane

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/3-positives-of-the-blackhawks-keeping-patrick-kane/#sq_hbdwncun8o

 

When Kyle Davidson took over as general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks nearly a year ago, the team committed to a long-overdue rebuild. Rumors have swirled about Patrick Kane leaving the only NHL club he’s known since, possibly waiving his no-movement clause (NMC) to chase his fourth Stanley Cup. With the NHL Trade Deadline just eight days away, all that speculation could come to fruition. Or maybe it doesn’t.

 

Kane has opened up about possibly wanting to play for another team, even saying he wasn’t too happy after the New York Rangers acquired Vladimir Tarasenko. However, knowing he hasn’t made a decision publicly this close to the deadline, it seems like a possibility that Kane could stay in Chicago, at least through the end of 2022-23.

 

With 10 points in his last four games (seven goals, three assists), he has looked like his old self, and the Blackhawks could always build around him while also getting younger.

 

It’s a complicated choice, no doubt. With that in mind, as much as a Kane trade would expedite the rebuild, here are three reasons why it might not be a bad thing if he sticks around.

 

Kane Exceeds at Developing Young Talent

 

Kane arguably began playing his best hockey as a Blackhawk after his last Stanley Cup in 2015. Much of that was because he successfully took young talent under his wing such as Artemi Panarin, Nick Schmaltz, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Strome. While none of those players remain Blackhawks, they’re all thriving with other clubs and developed in Chicago partly due to Kane’s mentorship.

 

While the Blackhawks have avoided rushing their top prospects, they could look younger after deadline day. Cole Guttman and Brett Seney are with Chicago right now, and the team could rely on more call-ups from the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rockford IceHogs depending on who leaves. If the team were to once again recall Lukas Reichel, for example, he could benefit from having a mentor like Kane, even if he isn’t with the Blackhawks when they’re competitive again.

 

Furthermore, if Kane were to sign an extension and help the Blackhawks get to the cap floor next season, the team will probably be even younger, especially if they land Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli in this year’s draft. Whether it’s the rest of this season or a two-to-three-year extension, keeping Kane to usher in some of Chicago’s prospects wouldn’t be a bad idea. The mentorship he’s provided to young players in the past has been invaluable.

 

Kane Is a Household Name

 

Take a lap around the United Center concourse before any Blackhawks home game. You might see a few Seth Jones jerseys, but they don’t match that of Kane. Even in a “tank” season, fans have still shown up, with the star power of Kane likely being a factor. He’s a player many casual Blackhawks fans know and love, with Jonathan Toews being the next closest thing.

 

Gone are the days when the Blackhawks drew standing-room-only crowds every night. Per Hockey Reference, they’ve averaged 17,065 fans through 31 home games, or 83.2% of the arena’s 20,500-person capacity. That puts them 30th out of 32 teams percentage-wise, so it’s not like they’ve been selling out every night. That said, they’ve drawn at least 18,000 in 10 of their last 12 home games.

 

If and when Kane leaves, those attendance numbers will inevitably take a hit. By keeping him, the Blackhawks would have a known commodity they could market to casual fans. As good as players such as Jones and Max Domi might be, they don’t have the same name recognition.

 

Of course, this is all secondary if Kane requests a trade. The Blackhawks are also entering a new era, with a major goal of finding their next star who can attract fans. With the exception of possibly drafting Bedard, however, it’s hard to think of anyone the Blackhawks might have next season aside from Toews who matches Kane’s name value. If the team were to keep Kane, it would probably make it easier from a business standpoint even if the on-ice performance is brutal.

 

Kane Could Possibly Retire a Blackhawk

 

If Kane does stay, there might be a few consequences. The Blackhawks could still rebuild successfully, and they already have 10 picks in this year’s draft, including five in the first two rounds after the Nikita Zaitsev trade. However, by not trading him, they’d miss an opportunity to acquire yet even more draft capital and/or a top prospect.

 

However, Kane staying could very well allow him to retire as a Blackhawk. This depends on whether the Blackhawks would want Kane after this season, as he could still walk this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Keeping him for the next few years would generate higher ratings and ticket sales, but it’d be understandable if the team decided against extending him knowing they’re rebuilding, even if it’s an unpopular call among fans.

 

But let’s say the Blackhawks keep Kane post-deadline and give him a three- or four-year extension. He could retire today and leave a tremendous legacy, but him staying could mean he remains a Blackhawk for the rest of his career, which would be incredible to see. He might not win another Stanley Cup, but he’d be a great asset in terms of guiding the team through its rebuild.

 

At the same time, Kane would need 235 more games (including the rest of this season) to become the team’s all-time leader in games played, a spot that currently belongs to Stan Mikita with 1,396 all-time. This is realistic if he stays healthy. At 1,225 career points, he’d also have a chance in becoming the team’s all-time points leader, which also belongs to Mikita with 1,467 all-time. Breaking these records, especially the latter, might seem unrealistic now, but Kane only has a chance if he stays.

 

No matter where Kane ends his career, he’ll always be remembered as a Blackhawk. Though it’d be understandable if he wanted to stay, it’d make just as much sense if he decided to move on. He deserves the utmost respect either way; while some fans may be feeling impatient with the deadline so close, it’s a life-changing decision for him. If he remains a Blackhawk, however, these would be major positives.

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32 thoughts: New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks Working On Patrick Kane Deal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1WinKn0PLs

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Kane ready for Rangers debut against Senators

Forward was traded to New York after 16 seasons with Blackhawks

https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-kane-ready-for-first-game-with-new-york-rangers/c-341724998

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Edited March 3, 2023 by NHL HHOF