What will Chicago do?
The NHL offseason always comes with a dark cloud of uncertainty. Teams can say they will do one thing, then end up doing something completely different. But from what we know, and from Friedman’s statements, here is the most likely outcome: The Blackhawks will host their fire sale but they will retain Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Seth Jones.
So while Kane will always have his backers among the Buffalo Sabres faithful, the more likely scenario is that Kane leaves Chicago next season and signs elsewhere. Will Buffalo be on his short list if this were to happen? Absolutely. But the question would also be: Are the Sabres willing to pay for his services? With so many upstart cornerstones, the answer is: Probably not.
Friedman finally stated that the only way Kane would realistically leave in the future would be if he said the following:
"“You know what, this is better if I go somewhere else.” – Elliotte Friedman, via Hockey Rumors, referring to Patrick Kane."
Translation: Don’t expect Patrick Kane to be in a Sabres uniform via a trade this season. But this does not mean the Sabres won’t sign him if he becomes a UFA.