Veteran Patrick Kane remains the subject of speculation about his future in professional hockey, with some National League teams still on the lookout, waiting to learn his intentions.
Last week, TSN reported four Eastern Conference teams potentially interested in landing the three-time Stanley Cup winner: the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers — with whom Kane finished last campaign — and the Florida Panthers. However, in the case of these, the project could come to fruition if general manager Bill Zito can effectively maneuver his payroll.
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For now, according to floridahockeynow.com, the presence of Aaron Ekblad’s name on the long-term injured list allows the Panthers to respect the $83.5 million cap hit in the Bettman circle. However, the defender has a chance to return to the game by the end of the month, just like Brandon Montour. Even if Kane will demand less compensation than the previous one – he concluded an eight-year contract worth $84 million in 2022-2023. – Zito will have to make personnel moves if he hopes to get it.
Furthermore, the journalist of the same source, George Richards, added that Florida would be ready to offer about one million dollars to the former Chicago Blackhawks.
Kane underwent hip surgery in June and was expected to be out for at least four months.
