Kane has also been vocal about his desire to share the ice with
Auston Matthews at some point before he retires. The two thought they might have that chance at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing before those plans came to a screeching halt. Could Kane look to make a brief stop in Toronto by way of a trade at this year's deadline? He holds all the cards with his NMC, but if his desire to play with Matthews is anywhere near his desire to play with Panarin, perhaps he won't want to face the same disappointment if/when the Leafs trade for someone else.