Per NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Buffalo Sabres are interested in signing Patrick Kane, the NHL's top remaining free agent. The future Hall of Famer, however, is taking his time deciding where to play next as he rehabs from hip surgery.
Patrick Kane continues to rehab from his hip surgery. He’s been doing so in the Toronto area since July and requires at least another month. We know Buffalo has interest. He could help a lot of teams when healthy.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 21, 2023
Kane, 34, who played last season for Chicago and the New York Rangers, is still at least a month away from being game-ready, Dreger reported. Although he is set to miss part of the regular season, Kane makes sense for the Sabres, who could use another top-six winger.
Kane could slot in nicely on Buffalo's second line with Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka. He would also provide the Sabres with a game-changer on the power play, as his offensive IQ and playmaking skills are elite.
The Sabres are looking to break their NHL-record 12-year playoff drought. Adding Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, would be a good way to help make that happen. His immense experience would also give the Sabres another good leader for the club's younger players, including Cozens, Peterka, Owen Power and Peyton Krebs.
Kane is destined for a bounce-back season in 2023-24. Last season was rough for Kane, who posted 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games combined for Chicago and the New York Rangers. Yet now that he has had surgery on his injured hip, we should see the Kane of old return. He had 92 points in 78 games in 2021-22, so he clearly still can play at a high level.
The Sabres may have an advantage in the Kane sweepstakes. The 2007 first overall pick is a Buffalo native, and the club is finally on the rise, so now may be the best time for the team and player to connect.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!