According to reports, it looks like Patrick Kane is narrowing his free agency search down to two teams: the Chicago Blackhawks and his boyhood team, the Buffalo Sabres.
A return to Chicago would be all about nostalgia, a legendary reunion, and a chance to play with Connor Bedard. But if he chooses Buffalo, it is going to be about his love for the Sabres and playing in his hometown, rather than money.
Buffalo makes the most sense for Patrick Kane
Buffalo only has about $5 million left in cap space after Jarmo Kekalainen made his offseason moves. They don’t have the room to throw a massive bag of cash at Kane as the Blackhawks do. However, if he chooses Buffalo, he is actively choosing to take less just to wear the jersey that he grew up loving when he was a kid, while also getting the chance to play in front of his family and friends.
The fit also makes perfect sense on the ice. The Sabres finally snapped their long playoff drought last season with a massive 109-point run. Now they are trying to load up for a genuine Stanley Cup run. They’ve been linked to star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, which would be a great upgrade from their current goaltending situation. That has to be something that Kane is considering when he is mulling his options.
Plus, the Sabres traded Alex Tuch earlier in the summer, which left a void in their top nine. Even at 37 years old, Kane is still highly productive. He put up 57 points in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last year and would give Buffalo some elite playmaking and a huge boost to their top power-play unit.
At this point in his career, Kane has made his money and won his rings. Which is why coming home with the potential of winning a cup with a competitive Sabres team is the ultimate storybook ending for the future Hall of Famer.Â
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