5 Offseason Free-Agent Landing Spots for Detroit Red Wings Winger Patrick Kane

The Detroit Red Wings' gamble on Patrick Kane paid off well this season.

Signed to a one-year $2.8 million contract last November, the veteran winger was coming off a hip resurfacing procedure in June. It was uncertain if he would regain his scoring form.

Kane responded by averaging nearly a point per game, finishing this season with 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games. He helped the Red Wings come to within an eyelash of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Speaking to reporters on April 11, the 35-year-old praised the Red Wings organization, his coaches and his teammates. "Really happy with the decision to come here," he said.

However, Detroit Hockey Now's Bob Duff noted that Kane did not indicate if he's ready to sign a contract extension, preferring to focus on the remainder of the season.

Understandably, Kane will want an opportunity to decompress and evaluate his situation given all he's been through since last June. The free-agent market doesn't open until July 1 so he has plenty of time to decide where he might play next season.

Kane proved he still has plenty left in the tank. His championship pedigree will ensure plenty of interest if he hits the open market this summer. He'll also be in the market for a more lucrative contract, perhaps a two- or three-year deal worth an average annual value between $5 million and $6 million.

Here's a look at five possible destinations for Kane. You can express your views on this topic in the app comments below.

Boston Bruins

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Boston, MA - April 16: Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery drawing up a play in the third period. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now reported there were rumors last summer claiming Bruins general manager Don Sweeney attempted to sign Kane.

Perhaps Sweeney will revisit his interest in the three-time Stanley Cup champion if he becomes available on July 1.

Murphy noted that Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on that day. He wondered if Sweeney might turn to Kane if the 27-year-old tests the open market.

Kane could be a good fit as a second-line right wing with the Bruins. Despite his age, he put up more points this season than DeBrusk (40) in fewer games and could be more consistent than the 2015 first-rounder.

The Bruins have a projected $23.4 million in cap space for next season, with 14 active roster players under contract. They could free up an additional $5 million if they trade goaltender Linus Ullmark in the offseason. That could provide sufficient room for Kane on a reasonable deal and still leave enough for other additions to their roster.

Buffalo Sabres

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TAMPA, FL - APRIL 15: Zach Benson #9 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena on April 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres were hoping to become a playoff contender this year but failed to qualify for a record 13th straight season.

That disappointing performance could send Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams into the free-agent market for a scoring forward with championship experience and leadership abilities.

Kane could prove enticing for the Sabres. The Buffalo native may be tempted to finish his playing career by helping his hometown club end their long playoff drought.

Buffalo has Alex Tuch and Jack Quinn as its top-two right wingers, but it could move one of them to the left side to make room for Kane. He could help the team regain the offensive drive that made it one of last season's highest-scoring clubs.

With projected cap space of $23 million and 12 active roster players under contract, the Sabres have room to take on Kane. Still, they might have to shed a contract to ensure sufficient wiggle room, perhaps by moving left winger Jordan Greenway ($3 million) or defenseman Connor Clifton and his $3.33 million cap hit through 2025-26.

Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT, MI - APRIL 07: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (88) celebrates scoring a goal with his teammates during the first period of an NHL regular season hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings on April 7, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Kane positively affected the Detroit Red Wings roster this season, and it could be difficult for general manager Steve Yzerman to replace his skills, experience and production via this summer's trade and free-agent markets.

As noted in the introduction, the veteran was happy with his decision to sign with the Red Wings last November. The club could re-sign him for the right offer before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Yzerman has projected cap space of $28.9 million with 14 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Over half of it, though, will go toward re-signing restricted free-agent stars Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Finding sufficient cap space for Kane may be difficult if he seeks over $5 million annually. Yzerman might have to make a cost-cutting trade to free up room for him.

Still, it could prove worthwhile to keep someone with Kane's experience and production in the lineup as the Wings attempt to take their game to the next level.

Florida Panthers

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SUNRISE, FLORIDA - APRIL 16: Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers celebrates his empty net goal with teammates Aleksander Barkov #16 and Eetu Luostarinen #27 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Amerant Bank Arena on April 16, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Florida Panthers signed general manager Bill Zito to a contract extension Monday, and his priority will be getting Sam Reinhart re-signed before he becomes a UFA on July 1.

The 57-goal forward could seek between $9 million and $10 million annually to stay with the Panthers. With $20.7 million of projected salary-cap space for next season and 13 active roster players under contract, he could prove too expensive to retain.

Zito could be in the market for a replacement if Reinhart departs. Given his solid performance this season, he could be drawn to Kane. He could fill the second-line winger role as Matthew Tkachuk would fill the first-line role.

Kane could be an affordable short-term option for the Panthers. Signing him would also give Zito sufficient cap room to re-sign pending UFA defenseman Brandon Montour.

New York Rangers

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NEWARK, NJ - MAY 01: Patrick Kane #88 of the New York Rangers skates in the second period of Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on May 1, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)

Kane's tenure with the New York Rangers last season didn't go as well as hoped for either side. Hampered by the hip injury that required treatment last June, the veteran wasn't as effective as he would have liked.

Perhaps both sides would consider a do-over next season. New York could be in the market for an experienced second-line right winger if it has concerns over the development of 23-year-old winger Kaapo Kakko.

Kane could be keen for another shot with the Rangers, who are entering their window as a Stanley Cup contender. Blueshirts general manager Chris Drury may like what he saw of his play this season to give the winger that opportunity.

Cap space could be an issue for New York with $12.5 million available and restricted free agents such as Kakko, Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider to re-sign.

Perhaps Kane might consider another one-year, low-cost deal for a chance to bring the Stanley Cup back to the Big Apple.

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Stats (as of Apr. 17, 2024) via NHL.com. Salary and roster information via Cap Friendly.