Report - Patrick Kane now only willing to accept a trade to one team

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Josh tupper
February 22, 2023 (6:46 PM)

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A Patrick Kane trade now seems more likely than ever. The superstar forward is expected to inform the Chicago Blackhawks in the coming days that he's willing to accept a trade, and to what team he's willing to be traded to.

It was once reported that Kane would provide the Hawks with a multi-team list and allow the team to try and procure the best possible return for their future. That list then reportedly dwindled down to just 2 teams, the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Those two teams however appear to have made their major deadline acquisitions, adding Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O'Reilly.

Now it appears that Kyle Davidson's job has gotten even more difficult as Kane is likely to now only provide one team. Pierre LeBrun provided the following information:

IF he decides to be traded, will give the Blackhawks just ONE team to talk to. If that doesn't work out, he might then give another team, but it will supposedly be one at a time.

That creates a negotiating conundrum...

The Hawks will have absolutely zero leverage in that case. The chosen team will know Davidson will feel obligated to fulfill Kane's wishes and also know no other teams can bid the price up. There will be nothing stopping them from doing some major lowballing.

This situation has been compared to Claude Giroux, who told PHI last year he wanted to go to FLA only. They eventually got a 1st+3rd+prospect back.

I'd be shocked if the Hawks end up getting anything close to that much for Kane. They'll be in a very tough spot.

If this is the case Kane will be making things extremely difficult for the Blackhawks and at this point Kane could just decided to stay put.