The rumors and speculation about Patrick Kane reuniting with the New York Rangers persist. Even though reports have emerged about Kane and the Detroit Red Wings discussing a contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, there is still significant interest from the Rangers.
Shortly after an NHL source told Forever Blueshirts that there is mutual interest between Kane and the Rangers, Larry Brooks of the New York Post confirmed at least the Rangers’ interest.
“Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Rangers are interested in bringing Patrick Kane (back) to Broadway,” Brooks reported on Wednesday. “Very interested.”
Kane, who played on a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Red Wings this past season following serious hip surgery, is believed to be seeking a significant multi-year contract this offseason. After proving his productivity and health in 2023-24, scoring 20 goals and finishing with 47 points in 50 games, Kane didn’t play his first game of the season until December 7.
However, the Rangers might prefer a shorter-term deal, possibly one year, with their salary cap expected to rise significantly in 2025-26.
Kane played 26 games with the Rangers — 19 regular season and seven playoff games — after being acquired before the 2023 NHL trade deadline. Limited by the hip issue, he still managed 18 points (six goals, 12 assists).
Recently, it was reported that Kane wanted to “make it right” with the Rangers and return to play at a higher level than he did in 2023. Neither side has publicly commented on a potential reunion.
If Kane were to return to the Rangers, he could boost Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider at even strength and be a significant asset on the power play. If coach Peter Laviolette believes Zibanejad and Kreider could benefit from more support on their line, perhaps Alexis Lafreniere could move, with Kane joining Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck — a potentially dynamic, albeit small, forward line.
Kane, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing around 177 pounds, doesn’t fit the mold of a big forward, which could have been beneficial against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final this past spring. However, his size hasn’t hindered him over his 17 NHL seasons. He’s the second all-time leading United States-born scorer in NHL history with 1,284 points, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, a Hart Trophy winner, and the 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.
Kane showcased his trademark speed and skill this past season, clearly improved from before his hip surgery.
Given the right price, logic suggests the Rangers would be interested in reuniting with Kane. The clock is ticking towards Monday.