Patrick Kane
Initial reports stated Kane wouldn’t be part of this fire sale. However, NHL Rumors reported the Blackhawks front office may be more interested in moving aging players like Kane and Jonathan Toews while holding onto younger talent like DeBrincat.
While I don’t see a trade for Kane occurring, it could indeed happen if Kevyn Adams and Don Granato believe the Buffalo Sabres can become serious contenders this season. Also note, that if this trade occurs, Kane would need to waive his no-movement clause.
This is a BIG IF, but it was also something I talked about earlier in the week, breaking down three trade scenarios Da Windy City outlined. Kane is a Buffalo native as well, which is another reason you can’t completely rule this out. The odds of this trade occurring are slim to none, but let’s outline a What If in this final trade proposal with Chicago.
Sabes acquire:
- Patrick Kane
Blackhawks acquire:
- Victor Olofsson
- Jacob Bryson
- 2023 first round pick
- Ryan Johnson
- Erik Portillo
This scenario allows the Sabres to keep all three of their first round picks this season, and it gets rid of two RFAs in Olofsson and Bryson. The Blackhawks will get a first round pick in 2023, plus two high-profile college prospects in Portillo and Johnson.
While the Blackhawks may want a first round pick for this season, the sheer youth in all of the above prospects would be enough to acquire Kane. While I don’t realistically see the Kane trade occurring, the above scenario is, in my opinion one that provides good compensation for a winger who is still productive in the NHL.