Red Wings want him back, but Patrick Kane has other plans

Patrick Kane. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Red Wings want him back, but Patrick Kane has other plans

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jun 18, 2026 9:52 PM ET

The Detroit Red Wings are more than interested in re-signing Patrick Kane, but the veteran winger remains undecided. According to a report by The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Kane is giving his future in Detroit a second thought and is potentially prepared to go to market.

As for why, that could be due to the unfolding situation with Dylan Larkin. The star forward and captain has asked for a trade. If it happens, his departure could dramatically change the Red Wings’ chances of competing. There’s also the potential that players other than Larkin are starting to get concerned about GM Steve Yzerman‘s “Yzerplan.” The team isn’t taking the steps many were confident the franchise would take. For a player like Kane, he’s not got many years left to wait it out.

Pierre LeBrun writes:

“Pending UFA Patrick Kane definitely wants to play another season, his agent Pat Brisson said on Wednesday. That’s all Brisson would share. Kane, 37, put up 57 points in 67 games this past season, a solid 0.85 points-per-game average. My understanding is that the Red Wings do want Kane back and have made that clear. What remains undetermined is whether Kane wants to return.”

LeBrun adds that it’s not a given Kane will leave. In fact, there is a good chance he’ll re-sign. But, it’s not a lock, and that could be another problem in what appears to be a growing list of problems for Yzerman.

“He certainly might, but he’s mulling things over at the moment about whether to stay put or head to market,” writes the NHL insider.

What is Patrick Kane contemplating?

Things change when you’re 37 years old and have the resume Kane does. He’s won Stanley Cups and knows what it feels like to win. It’s likely he wants that feeling one more time. At the same time, he might be all about comfort and location.

There will be teams willing to sign him, assuming his ask is reasonable. He’s coming off a one-year deal that paid him $3 million. It included $4 million worth of performance bonuses. He’s likely to sign something similar, but which teams are on his short list remain unclear.

David Pagnotta wonders if Kane might be eyeing the Buffalo Sabres. They’ll have money to spend if they lose Alex Tuch. He was born in Buffalo and there have been whispers of him considering them in the past. Now that they’re a more competitive team, does that city have more appeal?

David Pagnotta: We’ve not asked what Dylan Larkin’s request means for Patrick Kane, who will become a UFA July 1; Could he be an Alex Tuch replacement in Buffalo? - Fourth Period (6/18)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 18, 2026