It's unclear what the future holds for several players on their roster, including pending unrestricted free agents Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane, who were traded to the Rangers prior to the deadline.
But during the team's season-ending media availability, it didn't seem that Kane would be returning to the organization next season and will hit the open market for the first time in his career on July 1st.
Patrick Kane didn't sound like he was returning to #NYR, but expressed how grateful he was for the opportunity and how awesome it was.
«I don't have a bad word to say about the organizationI think it's a special group in here. I think they'll find a way to win.»ï¿½ Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) May 3, 2023
Kane also went on to reveal that he was playing the entire time with the Rangers not at 100%, as he was dealing with a lower-body injury, but praised the team's training staff for getting him ready to play each night. He added that he's going to find out in the next week or so if his lower-body injury will require surgery and that a decision on where he may end up in unrestricted free agency will be thought about in the next couple of months.
Kane said he hopes to know within the next week or so if he is going to require surgery.� Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 3, 2023
The Buffalo native was traded to the Rangers in a three-team deal involving the Arizona Coyotes on February 28th following parts of 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. During his tenure with the Rangers, Kane put up 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 19 regular season games and six points in seven games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Where do you think Patrick Kane will end up after July 1st? Have your say in the poll below!
POLL | ||
Where will Patrick Kane end up after July 1st? | ||
Back to New York | 68 | 26.7 % |
Buffalo | 106 | 41.6 % |
Colorado | 35 | 13.7 % |
See Results | 46 | 18 % |
List of polls |