On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Detroit Red Wings continue to fight for a playoff spot this season and have had a surprisingly strong 2023-24 season. One player who has yet to re-sign with the Red Wings for next season is superstar Patrick Kane. While he’s a veteran forward who continues to age and is near the end of his Hall of Fame career, he has proven he can still be a strong producer at both ends of the ice. While the Red Wings could still bring Kane back, there is a chance he hits the open market this offseason. With that, we take a look at five potential teams who could sign Kane.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing to make a deep run into the postseason after an interesting 2023-24 campaign. They started the season 3-9-1, fired their head coach, sent down Jack Campbell after a horrendous start, and have bounced back with a chance to win the Pacific Division. They have a strong lineup and have no real issues with their depth like they used to, but they may need to make some changes in the offseason. They have the money to spend but if they fail to win a Stanley Cup this season, they may have to make a splash in free agency to try and prove to Leon Draisaitl, whose contract expires after the 2024-25 season, that the Oilers are still trying to be a dominant team and win multiple Stanley Cups.
If Kane hits the open market and the Oilers have failed to win a Stanley Cup with their current core, they could look to add another superstar to the mix in Kane. Edmonton isn’t the most attractive market in the NHL by any means, but Kane could see himself as a huge part of the Oilers’ future. Having the chance to play alongside Draisaitl and Connor McDavid has to be one of the most attractive parts of playing for the Oilers. It could be something the Oilers use if they have any interest in bringing him in this offseason.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The second team that could sign Kane is the Tampa Bay Lightning. They have been one of the strongest teams overall in the past several seasons, having won back-to-back Cups in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Adding someone like Kane, who could add to their already lethal offensive lineup, could bring them back over the hump and help them get back to the dominant level many have come to expect.
This season hasn’t been bad for the Lightning by any means as they have clinched a playoff spot, and superstar forward Nikita Kucherov is among the leading candidates for the Hart Trophy. The problem is that they have struggled to find consistent success this season and find themselves only in a wild card spot. They will have a tough task ahead of them if they hope to make a deep run, but anything is possible in the playoffs. If they don’t succeed and enter the offseason without having re-signed Steven Stamkos, they could turn their attention to Kane as a new superstar, and lean on an electric duo of Kane and Kucherov heading into the 2024-25 season.
New York Rangers
New York Rangers fans remember how excited they were when the Rangers traded for Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko last season to go all-in and make a deep run into the postseason. Unfortunately, it was cut very short as they failed to get by the New Jersey Devils and were eliminated in the first round. If Kane hits the open market, there is no doubt in my mind there could be mutual interest between him and the Rangers in a reunion. The Rangers are building a superteam and even if they don’t succeed this season in winning a Stanley Cup, they are still lined up to be a strong team in the 2024-25 season. Now, imagine adding Kane to the mix for a full season alongside an already lethal offensive team.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have been terrible this season. They are only ahead of the San Jose Sharks in the standings and will have a chance to win the draft lottery and pick first overall for the second season in a row. While they snagged Connor Bedard last season who has turned into a star for the Blackhawks this season, they are still in for a long rebuild. Kane is considered one of, if not the greatest Blackhawk of all time. If they look to surround Bedard and their next high draft pick with talent to help with their development, Kane could be someone they consider signing on a one-year deal.
The Blackhawks aren’t going to be good next season, but signing Kane could have two major benefits. The first is that they would finally have someone to play with Bedard and help him produce offensively, and learning alongside Kane could be massive for his development. The second would be the chance of trading him for more future assets at the trade deadline. This is a stretch for sure, but it’s something the Blackhawks would consider and is likely something Kane would like to do since he spent the majority of his career with the team.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The final team that could look at bringing in Kane is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Of course, they are always involved in rumors surrounding big superstars. They have one of the strongest forward groups in the NHL with one of the top goal scorers of all time in Auston Matthews but imagine bringing in one of the best playmakers of all time in Kane. There is a chance they try to be active in the offseason if they fail in the postseason yet again, and Kane could be a perfect addition to their team if he has any interest in going to Toronto.
Kane could also look to re-sign with the Red Wings at the end of the season, but there is a chance he will test the open market. While more than these five teams could have interest in him, these teams seem like the best fits for him. Either way, he will earn a contract next season and will continue to build his resume as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
More must-reads:
- NHL coaches who have the best chance of success with their new teams
- Is a Connor Bedard breakout coming in 2025-26?
- The '250-strikeout MLB seasons' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
WJSS: Aatos Koivu leads tournament with six goals in four games
All eyes were on Michael Hage’s performance at the World Juniors Summer Showcase, but Aatos Koivu stole the show! Hage has nothing to be ashamed of with three goals and an assist in three games, but Koivu simply exceeds all expectations. On Friday, Finland faced the United States, and Saku’s son had some fun scoring two goals. Here is What’s most impressive about all this is that the Canadiens’ prospect has six goals in just four games since the start of the tournament. His closest pursuer, Jasper Kuhta, has four goals, but Koivu may need to work on his game-building skills. He’s scored six goals in four games, but hasn’t picked up a single assist. I don’t think the Finns will be complaining, though, after their 6-3 win over the Americans. Koivu had scored three of his first four goals of the tournament on the powerplay. This time, he didn’t need the man advantage for his two goals against the U.S. [content-ads] LJ Mooney, for his part, took advantage of the powerplay to score! The Canadiens’ little prospect was able to break free in the left circle to unleash a powerful, precise shot on the rebound. A good Patrik Laine goal! Finland will be back in action on Saturday against Sweden. The U.S. will also be in action on Saturday, with a game against Canada. spacer title=’Overtime’] – Hard to say. – A solid bomb. – DuPont will be an interesting player to watch. – Cool!
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill stirs up drama, calls for teammate to be benched in certain situations
Tyreek Hill was just trying to be a good teammate, but his Miami Dolphins colleague didn't care for the message. On Friday, Hill gave a meaty performance during his media availability, broaching subjects from his mastery of the offense this year to saying he agreed with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that he needed to be a better leader on the Dolphins for the upcoming season. Then he took a shot at running back De'Von Achane. He suggested the Dolphins keep the 5-foot-9, 191-pound back off the field in third-and-short situations. "Take (Achane) out on 3rd-down," Hills told reporters, via the Dolphins. "What? That's my honest opinion. If it's third-and-short, he's not a power back. I've been telling him that in the locker room... I love De'Von, but If I'm being honest, that's why you got Jaylen Wright, that's why you got Ollie Gordon." Achane responded to Hill giving his opinion to the media. "That's how you feel," Achane wrote with a laughing emoji. Achane rushed for 907 yards and six touchdowns on 203 carries last season. That's an average of 4.5 yards per rush. The Dolphins' backfield as a whole struggled in the run game last season, averaging a pedestrian 105.6 rushing yards per contest. Achane certainly didn't thrive on third-and-short, but Hill's comments feel unnecessary. Last season, Hill caught 81 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns — his worst production since 2019, when he missed four games due to injury. Is Hill ready to admit that he's washed? Miami's offense was bad, and it didn't help that Tagovailoa missed time due to a concussion. Defenses took advantage of the Dolphins' limited and discombobulated offense last season. Miami's training-camp news conferences are becoming a concern. Hopefully for the team, Achane won't take the slight from Hill too personally.
Steelers Spark Crazy Trade Rumors After Cowboys' Micah Parsons' Prior Comments Resurface
Khan has openly said he will never pass up the chance to explore opportunities that could improve the team. On Friday, news broke that Parsons requested a trade out of Dallas. While the possibility of landing Parsons remains a long shot, this request provides Khan with a rare window to investigate whether there’s a way to bring one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers to Pittsburgh. Earlier in February 2025, Parsons spoke with former Steelers cornerback turned analyst Bryant McFadden about the Steelers. During the conversation, McFadden joked that the Steelers logo would look good on Parsons. Parsons responded playfully, saying he would love to play for Mike Tomlin, adding fuel to the speculation that a move to Pittsburgh might not be completely out of the question. "Nah, I rock with the Steelers," Parsons said. "I said if I ever return home it was going to be Pittsburgh. I mess with Mike Tomlin the long way." It’s no secret that Tomlin is one of the most popular head coaches in the NFL. Many players have expressed a strong desire to play for him, and that reputation has sometimes helped the Steelers attract top talent. A prime example of this is when the Steelers convinced four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to join the team, a move that energized the fanbase and boosted expectations. The idea of Parsons lining up alongside TJ Watt and the rest of Pittsburgh’s elite defense is both thrilling and intimidating. While it remains a very far-fetched possibility, Parsons’ recent comments about wanting to play for the Steelers have sparked excitement among fans. These remarks, made in 2025, add fuel to the speculation that a trade could be in the cards, even if the odds are slim. Parsons, who grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, shared a message on social media Friday explaining what really led to his trade request. If Parsons has any influence over his next destination, and if Khan can work his magic, the Steelers might just have a slim but real chance to pull off a trade. Landing Parsons would instantly make Pittsburgh’s defense one of the most fearsome in NFL history, though it remains an ambitious long shot. Steelers Chances Of Trading For Micah Parsons Are Low While the thought of Parsons playing in the black and gold for the 2025 season is certainly exciting, the logistics would be very complex, though not impossible. Parsons is clearly unhappy with the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones has not helped their chances of keeping him satisfied. He officially wants out, and now is the time for Khan to see if there’s any logical way to pull off a crazy trade.
One player from each AFC team who deserves Hall of Fame call
Let the (preseason) games begin. With the Detroit Lions-Los Angeles Chargers Pro Football Hall of Fame Game kicking off 2025 action, Yardbarker NFL writers mulled a player — past or present — on each AFC team who merits enshrinement in Canton. AFC East BUFFALO BILLS | LB Von Miller | As the NFL’s active leader in sacks (129.5), Miller — who's now with the Commanders — is a sure bet for the Hall of Fame even though he missed 14 games in three years with Buffalo. In 10 seasons with Denver, Miller earned a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, made eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams and was named MVP of Super Bowl 50, the last defensive player to win the award. MIAMI DOLPHINS | WR Tyreek Hill | His subpar 2024 season aside (81 catches, 959 yards, six TD catches), the 31-year-old receiver boasts a Hall of Fame resume (eight Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro nods in nine years). Hill led NFL receivers with 1,799 yards in 2023 and has six 1,000-yard seasons in his career, two fewer than Cris Carter, who spent the last five games of his Hall of Fame career with Miami. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Kicker Adam Vinatieri | The NFL’s all-time leading scorer (2,673 points) narrowly missed induction as a finalist in 2025, his first year of eligibility, and will be an automatic finalist in 2026. Vinatieri, who retired in 2021, holds records for most field goals made in the regular season (599) and playoffs (56) and helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls before winning another with the Colts in 2007. NEW YORK JETS | QB Aaron Rodgers | The enigmatic passer disappointed as a Jet, but four first-team All-Pro honors, four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl MVP with the Green Bay Packers can’t be overlooked. Rodgers’ 62,952 passing yards are the seventh most in league history, and his 4.34 touchdown-to-interception ratio is the best of any quarterback, past or present. — Bruce Ewing AFC West DENVER BRONCOS | WR Rod Smith | Smith played a key role when the Broncos repeated as Super Bowl champions in the 1997 and 1998 seasons. The three-time Pro Bowler had 152 receiving yards in a 34-19 Super Bowl XXXIII win over the Atlanta Falcons, tied for the sixth most in a Super Bowl. The undrafted WR starred for Denver from 1995-2006, becoming the club’s career leader in receiving yards (11,389). KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | QB Patrick Mahomes | Star tight end Travis Kelce would be an excellent pick, too, but the Chiefs had won only one Super Bowl before Mahomes became the starter during the 2018 season. The 2017 first-round pick has won three Super Bowls and two MVPs in eight seasons with the Chiefs. Expect Mahomes, who turns 30 on Sept. 17, to keep bolstering his stellar resume. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | QB Philip Rivers | Rivers, who retired as a Charger in July, never reached a Super Bowl during his career, but neither did former Chargers QB Dan Fouts. That didn’t prevent him from making the HOF in 1993. The same should go for eight-time Pro Bowler Rivers, who ranks sixth in career TD passes (421). LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Guard Steve Wisniewski | It’s surprising Wisniewski isn’t in Canton already. Per Pro Football Reference, his HOF monitor score (76.58) is higher than that of HOF guard Mike Munchak (72.7). The former O-lineman is also a member of the HOF’s All-1990s team. — Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE RAVENS | LB Terrell Suggs | Suggs, who played from 2003-19, and former Ravens guard Marshal Yanda were finalists for the 2025 class but missed out. Suggs was one of the more dominant pass-rushers of his era, accumulating 139 career sacks, earning seven Pro Bowl nods, one first-team All-Pro, a Defensive Player of the Year award and an NFL-record 202 tackles for loss. He was a key part of two Super Bowl winners. CINCINNATI BENGALS | QB Ken Anderson | The Bengals did not win a Super Bowl during Anderson’s career (1971-86), but that is pretty much the only thing separating him from other Hall of Fame quarterbacks, especially from his era in the 1970s. Anderson has an NFL MVP award and led the league in passing twice, completion percentage three times and passer rating four times. CLEVELAND BROWNS | Edge Myles Garrett | Garrett is still active, but it’s not hard to see the path his career is on. He has been the more dominant pass-rusher in the league from pretty much the day he arrived. He may not win a title in Cleveland, but he is going to finish as one of the best Browns players of all time and one of the best defenders of the modern era in the NFL. PITTSBURGH STEELERS | QB Ben Roethlisberger | Roethlisberger, who retired in 2022, does not have many individual accolades, but spending nearly two decades as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL and earning two Super Bowl rings will be more than enough to get him in. It is just a matter of how long he might have to wait for induction. — Adam Gretz AFC South HOUSTON TEXANS | DE J.J. Watt | Widely considered to be a first-ballot lock, Watt — who retired following the 2022 season — will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028. His career could have been even better if not for several seasons being shortened by injury, but Watt is one of only three players to win three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Few players were capable of changing the game the way a healthy Watt could. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Kicker Adam Vinatieri | The three-time Pro Bowl selection made 29 game-winning kicks in his career, including two that won Super Bowls for the Patriots. Vinatieri has four Super Bowl rings and could be considered the most clutch kicker of all time. There are four kickers in the Hall of Fame, and it is almost impossible to argue against Vinatieri becoming the fifth. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | RB Fred Taylor | The wait continued in 2025 for Taylor, a Hall of Fame finalist for the second straight year, but he did not get the nod. Taylor, who retired in 2011, ranks 17th in NFL history with 11,695 rushing yards and holds numerous Jaguars records. The only running back ahead of him on the all-time rushing list who is not in the Hall of Fame is Frank Gore, and he is likely to get into Canton eventually. TENNESSEE TITANS | RB Derrick Henry | Titans legends Eddie George and Steve McNair advanced in the Hall of Fame voting process for 2025, but there is a good chance neither will get into Canton. Henry, meanwhile, is already 19th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,423 yards and coming off a season in which he ran for 1,921 yards. Henry, who spent the majority of his career in Tennessee, should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. — Steve DelVecchio
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
