COLUMBUS, OHIO – APRIL 08: Patrick Kane #88 of the New York Rangers lines up to fight in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 08, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – APRIL 08: Patrick Kane #88 of the New York Rangers lines up for a faceoff during the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 08, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
As mid-August approaches, a familiar name is still available this summer on the free agent market. This, of course, is Patrick Kane, and the fact that he is still available this late in the summer will raise questions about a reunion with Rangers. Whether you believe that the Blueshirts should try to make this work, you can not avoid the rumors and the fans who want something like this.
Kane was acquired at the deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks after he publicly announced that he wanted to be a member of the Blueshirts organization. New York started jumping all kinds of hoops in the salary cap rules to afford the addition of the Buffalo native, and they still had to run him to the NHL’s version of the Cayman Islands to get the deal done with Arizona. However, the organization continues its pursuit of the future Hall of Famer.
There is still a hole in the top six that needs to be addressed. Blake Wheeler’s entry into the organization will help soften the loss of Vladimir Tarasenko. How much better is replacing Patrick Kane than Patrick Kane? Although it must be said that he is not the player who booked his ticket as a first ballot Hall of Famer many years ago, he is still a serviceable offensive weapon that can help the powerplay with a perfect pre-season in the system.
Coming off of hip surgery, this could be a risky signing if they do. However, if they sign him for a million and manage to clear some cap space by sneaking one of Zac Jones or Erik Gustafsson through waivers, they can make this work. Kane will make the right winger position stronger in the team. He still exists, and the player wants to become a Ranger.