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Buffalo Sabres remain linked to Patrick Kane – but they shouldn’t sign him

BySion Fawkes|
Apr 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Patrick Kane (88) warms up before the first period against the New Jersey Devils in game six of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Patrick Kane (88) warms up before the first period against the New Jersey Devils in game six of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres are still linked to Patrick Kane, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old is long past his prime and the Blue and Gold should pass.

Per Jack Murray of Bleacher Report, the Buffalo Sabres remain linked to their hometown boy, Patrick Kane. Kane remains a free agent, and the Blue and Gold are one of three teams Murray listed that are linked to the longtime winger, along with the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers.

Kane saw time with the Rangers last season, so it’s no mystery why there could be interest there. Meanwhile, you know Steve Yzerman’s style, as the guy loves pulling off blockbuster deals, even for an aging winger in career twilight. As for the Sabres, here is what Murray had to say:

"“Finally, the Sabres may be the most intriguing option. Kane is a Buffalo native, so potentially ending his career playing in front of his hometown crowd may be something of interest to him.” – via Bleacher Report"

Source: NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane Linked to Rangers, Red Wings, Sabres Amid Injury Rehab

Buffalo Sabres still need to stay away from Patrick Kane

Dating back to June 2022 when it became apparent that Kane wouldn’t last another season with the Chicago Blackhawks, we at Sabre Noise have covered this topic extensively. And I have always given the idea of Kane to the Sabres a hard no. Sure, it would make for a great story for Kane to return to the City of Good Neighbors and potentially win a Cup with the Blue and Gold.

And yeah, if the Sabres needed another forward, then perhaps I’d be all for it, as even a declining Patrick Kane is a better option for the team than, say, Victor Olofsson. But with Zach Benson playing well and perhaps sticking around for the long haul plus the fact Jack Quinn will eventually return, there is no reason whatsoever to sign Kane.

The only way I would hop on board with the idea would be if an injury bug struck the Sabres forwards and the front office was more willing to pick up a veteran instead of recalling talent from the AHL. Until then, either Chris Drury or Steve Yzerman can compete for him.

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