Former NHL General Manager says Patrick Kane is headed to an Original Six team and it's not the Leafs

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TJ Tucker
November 19, 2023 (9:31)

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As Patrick Kane nears a return to the NHL, there's been plenty of speculation on where he will ultimately land and what teams are in the mx. One insider says there's really only one team that makes sense.

Neil Smith is a former President and GM with the New York Rangers, and has also worked as a scout with NHL teams. He says with the New York Rangers out of the mix, the Detroit Red Wings are really the only team that really makes any sense for landing Kane.

"I keep hearing #LGRW or #VegasBorn for Patrick Kane now that #NYR is out of it. #NHL #blackhawks."

"Of the teams supposedly in the Patrick Kane derby, #LGRW is the only team that makes sense #Sabres seem out of it #VegasBorn has no cap space, so to me it looks like 88 #Kane will be in #hockeytown #NHL #NYR #Blackhawks."

Detroit should be an attractive option to Kane, no question about it. A young, up-and-coming team with a shot at surprising people in the playoffs, and a chance to reunite with former Chicago teammate Alex DeBrincat. If he isn't going to play for his hometown Buffalo Sabres, the Red Wings sure seem like the perfect fit.

Kane has not yet signed as he continues to recover from his resurfacing surgery he had at the end of last year's playoffs. That is expected to change at any time.