NEWSLETTER
Frank Seravalli at The Daily Faceoff has been producing terrific breakdowns of trade targets as we get closer to the NHL’s March 3 trade deadline. On Tuesday, he posted his analysis of Blackhawks star Patrick Kane.
I think we’re all aware of Kane’s successes in the NHL. And we’ve spoken at great length about the decision he has to make in the coming weeks. But what got my attention in Seravalli’s breakdown were the teams — six of them — he listed as potential suitors tied to 88.
Seravalli lists the Rangers, Golden Knights, Kings, Maple Leafs, Devils and Stars as potential suitors for Kane. Some of these teams we’ve heard before, others are relatively new.
About the Kings, Seravailli wrote:
The Kings are such a fascinating team. They’ve got depth everywhere. They’re just beginning to open their championship window. Kane would make sense on a number of levels, but maybe not the long term? Or does he? Los Angeles certainly has the picks and prospects to pull it off, and Kane would add to the starpower in Tinsel Town.
And when he brings up the Devils, a relatively new team to get mentioned with Kane, Seravalli writes:
If not New York, what about across the Hudson River in New Jersey? The Devils have been clear in their pursuit of a Top Six winger. Everyone assumes that is Timo Meier to play next to fellow Swiss native Nico Hischier. But fellow American Jack Hughes, who is having an unreal season, is currently playing with Fabian Zetterlund. Would Kane go to New Jersey?
But that’s not all.
NHL insiders from The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta and Dennis Bernstein, were on the EdgeWork Podcast to talk about a wide range of topics, including a breakdown of the Bo Horvat trade and other trade rumors. Kane was brought up, and Pagnotta once again mentions the Dallas Stars having strong interest if/when Kane makes his decision.
Bernstein makes a good point about Kane being able to look at another veteran who spent a long time with one organization, Joe Pavelski, who moved to Dallas late in his career and has found a nice second wind. Dennis also notes Kane going to Dallas might be a longer-term play than the Rangers’ intentions, which he says would be a pure rental situation.
Pagnotta also noted a conversation between Kane, Jonathan Toews, their shared agent Pat Brisson and Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is expected to happen “around the All-Star Break” — which means… in the next 3-5 days. You can listen to their conversation about Kane in the video below starting around the 17-minute mark.
