Reporter clarifies the situation involving the Leafs and Patrick Kane
Potentially the biggest name from the 2023 free agent class is still available and he's looking to make his decision before American Thanksgiving. Of course, Patrick Kane didn't sign in the off-season as he was rehabbing an injury but several contenders were patiently waiting for the green light - which has seemingly arrived.
The future Hall-of-Famer has an amazing track record with 451 goals, 1,237 regular season points, 3 Stanley Cups, 1 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1 Hart Memorial Trophy, 1 Art Ross Trophy, and a myriad of other awards and records.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to Kane ahead of last year's deadline so it's not surprising that he's once again on their radar. Do the Maple Leafs need another forward? Probably not, but when you can add a player of Kane's stature, value and skill set, it's hard to turn the other way. On top of the fact that he will have plenty of time to acclimate to the city, the team, and the system, instead of having to learn on the fly in March-April if he were a trade deadline target.
Over the last few weeks, the fire has started to get hotter and hotter with Kane practicing in the area. Kevin Weekes believes that Toronto is an actual fit, and that since his family is close enough, being in Buffalo, that the Leafs may actually have a chance at signing him.
Then earlier this week, John Shannon tweeted out that he had initially heard that Kane had met with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. However, he later confirmed that sources within the Maple Leafs' circle were quick to refute that they had met with Kane this week.
Take it however you will, but it should also be noted that Toronto was set to travel to Sweden for the Global Series on Tuesday. Brad Treliving did not join them as he stayed back for the GM meetings, so he was available to meet with Kane if the two sides were inclined. Nevertheless where there's smoke there's usually fire.
American Thanksgiving is set for November 23rd, so with just a week away from Kane's deadline. Now, we can only sit back and wait patiently as the remaining suitors and contenders fight for his services. The Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings are expected to be among the other teams looking to lock him down for the rest of the season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 16 | 426 ANSWERS Reporter clarifies the situation involving the Leafs and Patrick Kane Does Patrick Kane actually make sense for the Leafs? | ||
| Yes, at the right price | 144 | 33.8 % |
| No, he'll be too expensive | 218 | 51.2 % |
| He's washed | 64 | 15 % |
| List of polls | ||
