TNT analyst and co-host of the Spittin Chiclets podcast Paul Bissonnette said on today's podcast that he believes Patrick Kane will be a Leaf. Specifically saying, "if you don't think Kyle Dubas is going to work his magic and get Patrick Kane over to the Leafs you're out of your mind."
"Biz Nasty" thinks Kane would want to play with his close friend Auston Matthews and symbolically pass the torch as the greatest American player to Matthews in his final few years. Notably, Kane has a $10.5M cap hit this season before he becomes a UFA, and coming off of a 92 point season, what will likely be the last contract of his career could still have a very high cap hit on his next deal.
Just for argument's sake, let's say the Leafs are pushing to acquire Kane. The number one comment will be that the Leafs can't afford him. Well, at 50%, his cap hit is just $5.25M - less than the cost of Alex Kerfoot and Justin Holl.
The ask may be reduced a bit if Kane is moved at the deadline, but given that Knies has been essentially dubbed untouchable and Dubas doesn't necessarily like moving first round picks, it doesn't seem likely. Not to mention the cap implications and paying that price for a pure rental.
Another thing worth noting is that Kane, a Buffalo, NY native, would be much closer to home were he playing in Toronto.
