On the New York Rangers and Patrick Kane
The trade deadline is just over a month away and we're beginning to get a clearer picture of which teams are expected to pursue some of the top pending UFA's as rentals. One such name is that of J.T. Miller, who the New York Rangers are rumoured to be interested in.
The Athletic's Arthur Staple took a look at some of the players who make the most sense for the Rangers and Miller was the first name on his list - and for good reason. Miller was a first round draft pick (15th overall) by the Rangers in 2011. He was dealt in order to help trigger a rebuild in the Big Apple and a return to the place where he spent his first 6 NHL seasons could certainly be poetic, especially if the Rangers can win a Stanley Cup.
Another name was brought up by Staple as well, and this one will certainly cause a bit of a stir in Chicago. That name was Patrick Kane. Yes, 3-time Stanley Cup winner, former Calder, Conn Smythe, Art Ross, Ted Lindsay and Hart Memorial Trophy winner Patrick Kane.
The obvious issues here are Kane's salary and the fact that he has a full NMC. That said, if Kane was willing to waive to play in his home State, and if the Hawks were willing to retain some salary, they could certainly pull in a large haul for the 33-year-old, who is still very much at the top of his game.
Kane has 44 points through 44 games this season.
