Rumors are rather insistent about a possible departure from Chicago of striker Patrick Kane. The American believes that the next few weeks will be decisive in determining whether or not he will stay with the Blackhawks.
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Kane and team captain Jonathan Toews will both become free agents at the end of this season. Since the Hawks are in rebuilding mode, veterans may be tempted to look elsewhere.
Toews opened the door to a new adventure in the last few weeks, saying he was a little discouraged by the Blackhawks’ standings. Kane, meanwhile, believes the case will pick up steam after the All-Star Game.
“We had a few discussions already, but they will undoubtedly become more serious after the break. [du match des étoiles] when we come back. We have a few games left, so we have to focus on them, take advantage of the break, and then I think it will start to move, “he mentioned Thursday in an interview with NHL.com.
It is currently impossible to know the direction that these discussions have taken, but the trade deadline, March 3, was certainly part of it. Despite Kane’s massive salary of $10.5 million, teams are expected to be scrambling for the star player. At 34, the right winger still has some great years ahead of him.
“I contact my agent every week to see what is going on. You don’t really want to pay too much attention to rumours, because you are in control of your destiny, whether you want to stay or go play somewhere else. The decision has not yet been made,” said number 88.
The Blackhawks, the last team in the Central Division standings, faced the Calgary Flames on Thursday evening.