Early Favorite Out of the Running for Patrick Kane Sweepstakes?

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, don’t expect the New York Rangers to be serious players when it comes to trying to sign unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane. In fact, it sounds like the Rangers are taking themselves out of the running, if they haven’t already done so.

As per a new post written by Brooks this week, he notes, “No, not for a minute do I believe the Rangers will re-up Patrick Kane when the winger is prepared to sign in another month or so, if his rehab from the hip resurfacing surgery the 34-year-old winger underwent on June 1 remains on pace.” He adds that the possibility of Patrick Kane rejoining the New York Rangers in the upcoming season appears dim, with insiders speculating that the Rangers are going to prioritize other players and there’s not a desire to try again when it comes to Kane.

Brooks notes that despite the best intentions of last season’s experiment, which saw Kane in a Rangers jersey for a two-month stint, the experience left a bitter taste for many involved. He also suggests that Kane feels no obligation to go back to New York and “make things right”, seeing as how the fit wasn’t ideal.

For the Rangers — and they would know better than any other team because they saw it first hand — one of the key concerns revolves around Kane’s post-surgery condition following his hip resurfacing procedure in June. The surgery was aimed at restoring his health and performance, but the question looms large: which version of Kane would the Rangers be acquiring, especially if he’s not at his peak? It’s not a gamble the team appears ready to take.

Related: Western Conference Team Now New Favorite to Sign Patrick Kane

In terms of financials, the Rangers could accommodate Kane within their salary cap if he agrees to a one-year deal, likely around $3 million. However, it remains unclear whether Kane is seeking a short-term contract to prove his value or a multiyear deal for stability after spending the majority of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Additionally, there’s the matter of team dynamics. The Rangers began the season with a focus on nurturing their young talent. Bringing in Kane could potentially impact the development opportunities for rising stars like Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, affecting their roles on the ice, including power play time. When it comes to Lafreniere, he has struggled and what the Rangers don’t want to do is de-motivate him or put him in situations where he can’t break out of his slump.

Which Teams Are Still In It for Kane?

Brooks writes there have been rumors linking Kane to other teams, such as the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers, even speculation he’s expressed his intrigue in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Other sources have suggested the Dallas Stars could be a fit. And, with Connor McDavid hurt in Edmonton, could an injury extend longer than the estimated two weeks he’ll be out, the Oilers may look to make a move.

He doubts the Rangers will be in the final mix of teams that bid of his services, even if their names are loosely linked until his announcement is made.

Next: Buffalo Sabres Have Inside Track to Signing Patrick Kane