Patrick Kane Has Reportedly Made His Decision — And It’s Not Detroit

Patrick Kane appears to be closing in on his next NHL destination, and it’s not a return to Detroit. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says he doesn’t expect Kane to return to the Red Wings. He’s not entirely sure where Kane will land, but he doesn’t believe Detroit is in the mix.

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Not everyone is as non-commital as Friedman. Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reported this week that the Buffalo native is working on a contract with his hometown Buffalo Sabres. Nothing is signed yet, but the momentum has shifted decisively toward Buffalo after months of speculation involving three different teams.

The news about Connor Bedard’s four-month injury opens up an intriguing door for a reunion, but the Sabres remain the frontrunners. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has said in the past that the Kane ship has sailed. It seems unlikely he would change his mind. Meanwhile, Kane has been linked to the Sabres before. No one should be shocked if he winds up there in the next few days.

Kane spent the last three seasons with the Red Wings, posting 57 points in 67 games this past season, but Detroit faded down the stretch while Buffalo finished first in the Atlantic Division under Lindy Ruff. The Sabres also have a real need on the wing after losing Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade with Washington. They have roughly $8.6 million in cap space to fill it.

Toronto had been floated as a fit too, with Kane viewed as a potential mentor for No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna, but the Leafs’ free-agency spending left them without the room to make a competitive offer.

At 37 and heading into a milestone 20th NHL season, Kane appears ready to finish his career close to where it started — pending a deal that, for now, remains unofficial.

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