The marriage between striker Patrick Kane and the New York Rangers is likely to be consummated this summer, which should conclude an association that is not very fruitful and above all, very disappointing.
Acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks shortly before the National Hockey League trade deadline, the 34-year-old veteran was expected to lead the Blueshirts to the highest playoff heights. His arrival and that of Vladimir Tarasenko, obtained from the St. Louis Blues, would help the New York club wreak havoc, several observers predicted.
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However, nothing came of it. Head coach Gerard Gallant’s men crumbled after winning the first two games of their series against the New Jersey Devils to lose in seven games. At the dawn of an off-season that promises to be eventful, speculation regarding Kane is already rife.
Individually, the forward had mixed success in New York: 12 points in 19 regular season games and six more in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Also, the salary requirements of the principal concerned will say a lot about what happens next. He will be eligible for full free agency after finishing an eight-year, $84 million contract. His next contract will be less lucrative, except that the Rangers have other cases to settle such as those of Alexis Lafrenière and K’Andre Miller, two men who will become restricted free agents. Management has a projected payroll of $71 million with only 13 hockey players having a valid pact for next year.
As a result, Kane is content with wishful thinking. “I would like to come back and have the chance to win with this team; the group is special and will eventually win. I know there are young people to rehire and other priorities, but I have nothing bad to say about this organization or the current situation. It was a great experience for me,” he said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
No turning back
The three-time Stanley Cup winner would like to lift the trophy one last time before stepping down. For this reason, a return to Chicago seems excluded, since his old formation is on the road to reconstruction. Above all, he wants to take advantage of an opportunity to fight for great honours.
“I’ll be 35 next season, but I don’t feel that old,” he said. I consider myself very young and the passion is there. I know that I can be a top hockey player if my focus is only on the sport and not on my daily state.
Because indeed, a shadow hangs over his head. Kane will know in a week or two if he will undergo surgery to treat a lower body injury that has been bothering him for a few years.
“No decision has been made yet. We will find a way to let me return to the game at almost 100% of my capacity, he predicted. Looking at the last series, if I had felt a little better, I would have helped this team to win.