We're now a month out from preseason action and teams are running out of runway to put the finishing touches on their roster. We are, however, beginning to see some movement with deals for Paul Stastny and Phil Kessel coming over the last 48 hours.
One team who still has at least one move coming is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are $1.5M over the cap without RFA defenseman Rasmus Sandin signed. However, one NHL on TNT Analyst believes that the Leafs have another significant move coming.
Earlier this week, Paul "Biz Nasty" Bissonnette made a splash on social media when he not only predicted that Chicago Blackhawks winger and 3-time Stanley Cup Champion Patrick Kane would be a Leaf this season. On Thursday, Biz doubled down on his Leafs/Kane connection by asking what number Kane will wear with the club.
Kane has worn #88 throughout his entire career, but since that number is currently being worn by William Nylander, it would be unavailable to Kane if he came to Toronto. That is, unless Nylander offered it up to Kane freely or Kane offered to purchase the number from "Willy Styles", who we know is motivated by money.
It's really anyone's guess where Kane will end up. I know Biz is suggesting that the Leafs are the most logical landing spot, but the fact of the matter is that if Kane is looking to compete for another Stanley Cup, there are a few desirable locations based in the US. The New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche are two other clubs who could make some sense, unless of course Kane is adamant about wanting to play with friend Auston Matthews - an opportunity that nobody else other than the Leafs could offer him.
