With just a few weeks to go before the 2023 NHL trade deadline, everyone is watching the Chicago Blackhawks and Patrick Kane.
The legendary forward has full control of his future with a no-movement clause but is on an expiring contract and playing for a bad team.
Mark Lazerus of The Athletic got an update on the situation from Kane today, who explained that his agent Pat Brisson has already heard from a few interested teams. The veteran winger has no decision yet on his future, and it likely will be a last-second choice at the deadline.
Not only will that give teams time to assess their situation, but it also reduces the amount of cap space Kane would require. Every day that goes by, it becomes more likely that a team can fit him in – with the help of a little salary retention from the Blackhawks (and possibly a third team).
It’s more than just choosing the right playoff team to join, though. Kane has spent his entire career in Chicago, winning three Stanley Cup championships and becoming arguably the greatest American-born player of all time. While this year hasn’t gone to plan, it’s hard to imagine him pulling on a different sweater.
Of course, that may happen regardless in the summer, should the Blackhawks not attempt to re-sign the 34-year-old. There are 13 games left before the trade deadline – the final one coming in Chicago against the Dallas Stars on March 2. It will be an emotional evening if that is the end of Kane’s time (and that of Jonathan Toews, potentially) with the Blackhawks.
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