Do Red Wings Have Trade Conversations About Patrick Kane?

Patrick Kane was once one of the best goalscorers in the NHL. Now he is mired in a very difficult eight-game scoring drought with the Detroit Red Wings. What has happened to this once-dynamic offensive star who was supposed to be a big contributor for the Red Wings? And, is this more than a slump that requires a bigger conversation? If it keeps going, does the team talk to him about a trade?

---

---

Kane’s Dreaded Drought

Kane re-signed with the Red Wings in the off-season. Sadly, he is yet to find his groove as the Red Wings work through the first half of the 2024-25 campaign.

Kane’s drought has been very surprising, given how well his career has gone. He is known for his elite playmaking, quick hands, and ability to finish in clutch moments. Now it seems that he has fallen out of favor with the fans, and they want answers. The Red Wings entered the season with playoff hopes after a busy offseason of roster improvements and are relying on Kane to be a veteran contributor. Things have not gone well in that regard.

The Red Wings have fallen well back of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and with each passing day they struggle, and Kane doesn’t produce, his future there is in question. Would the Red Wings be open to moving on? Would Kane like a chance to win with a contender?

For Kane, this is one of the longest-scoring droughts of his career. While eight games might not seem overly alarming. It’s hard on the player and team when there is a ton of pressure on both sides.

Red Wings’ head coach Derek Lalonde remains optimistic, pointing out that Kane’s underlying numbers, including shot attempts and zone entries, suggest a breakthrough could happen soon enough.

When Do Trade Talks Involving Kane Pick Up?

Kane has always been someone who can find the back of the net. Since that isn’t happening, he needs to contribute in other ways. Whether that be collecting assists or even upping his physicality. The Red Wings need him to bump the slump quickly. It’s not clear he’ll be able to, or is willing to do so. That could lead to trade speculation and finding the veteran a better fit.

He possesses a full no-trade, but as a player like Jacob Trouba just learned, without a no-move clause, the Red Wings have some leverage here. The two sides might have a conversation and the Red Wings have the means to retain salary on Kane before he becomes a pending UFA at the end of the season.

Kane’s last goal was scored on Nov. 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was then placed on the IR for a short time. However, since returning, he hasn’t been very noticeable.

Could this be Father Time catching up to Kane? Or is this just an average slump? Regardless of what one thinks, Kane is an aging veteran who needs to find the back of the net.

Next: Slafkovsky Smartly Steers Tough Question About Canadiens Fans