Patrick Kane, Forward/Detroit Red Wings
Patrick Kane has made perhaps the most surprising impact of any aging player this season for the Detroit Red Wings. While it’s a minute sample size, he’s already accomplished far more than anyone else trying to make their way back from a hip resurfacing procedure, and his productivity and overall durability may have earned him a second season in the Motor City.
But if general manager Steve Yzerman wants to bring up his next wave of prospects, Kane may be looking for work this July. Now that we know he can return and still play close to an elite level, why wouldn’t Kevyn Adams try to bring him back home to Western New York?
Sure, he may want to play only for a team that he knows will contend next year, and the Sabres unfortunately, don’t fit that mold. But there’s always the argument to be made that a player like Kane could be the missing piece to turn Buffalo into a true contender, something he’s been trying to do with the Red Wings this season.
Through March 31st, he has 17 goals and 41 points in 42 appearances with Detroit, with over one-third of those points - 14 - coming on the power play. Knowing how poorly Buffalo has performed at 5-on-4 this season, Kane’s ability on the man advantage should further incentivize the Sabres to take a good look at him if he’s on the market in July.