Insider reveals why the New York Rangers traded for Vladimir Tarasenko instead of Patrick Kane

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Josh tupper
February 9, 2023 (6:47 PM)

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Rumors have swirled for almost a year that the New York Rangers were destined to acquire Patrick Kane. Kane's former teammate Artemi Panarin was advocating for Kane's arrival. Everything seemed to align perfectly.

That was until Kane's production fell off and rumors began to swirl that Kane required hip surgery. Some still felt a deal would come together, but that would never materialize. Today the Rangers moved on acquiring Tarasenko instead.

But former player turned insider Mike Rupp shared the real reason the Rangers didn't make the Patrick Kane trade.

The concern for Kane's health is muddying this up. Ask is high for a risky situation #NHLBlackhawks.

Emily Kaplan also reiterated similar thoughts.

According to sources, the Rangers targeted Tarasenko - a player they long coveted - and decided to go for it after feeling the asking prices for Timo Meier and Patrick Kane were too high.

Also sounds like New York had some concerns over Kane's hip injury.

It doesn't sound like the Rangers got to asking price point of discussions with Blackhawks - because ball is still in Patrick Kane's court coming to Chicago with what he wants to do.

But the NYR didn't want to wait on him, and also had concerns about his hip.

After what the Maple Leafs went through with Nick Folgino it appears teams are very nervous about dealing for damaged goods at the deadline. This could make the Kane situation that much more difficult to resolve.