3 Free Agency Suits for Patrick Kane – Hockey Writers –

One of the remaining free agents on the open market this summer is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, Patrick Kane. He is coming off a job with the Detroit Red Wings, and while he may return there, it appears he will be joining a new team.

Kane, 37 years old, played in 67 games with the Red Wings last season, scoring 16 goals and adding 41 assists for 57 points. Throughout his career, he has scored 508 goals and added 892 assists for 1400 points in 1369 games, averaging just over a point per game.

While there may be many teams around the league interested in signing Kane, his main focus will be on trying to win a Stanley Cup before he retires, which will play a big role in choosing the next team he signs with.

However, there are other options on the table for Kane, especially if he has a few seasons left to play.

The Buffalo Sabres

The first team that would make sense for Kane is his hometown Buffalo Sabres. The Sabers finally made the playoffs last season and appear to be on the verge of becoming true championship contenders, as they hope to build on a successful 2025-26 campaign.

One big problem for the Sabers is the fact that they lost Alex Tuch. Both Tuch and the Sabers tried to work out a new deal, but in the end, it didn’t happen, and he was traded to the Washington Capitals. Now, the Sabers must try to replace the lost product.

Kane is a veteran, Stanley Cup winner, and even at 37 years old, he can be a solid contributor on both ends of the ice. He’s probably not looking for a big raise in his next contract, which benefits the Sabres, because if they can bring in a player with Kane’s pedigree on a short-term contract, they have a real chance to make a deep playoff run next season.

Chicago Blackhawks

This is one of the “other options on the table.”

The Blackhawks won’t be a big contender next season, but a Blackhawks reunion with Kane could be a great end to his career. Kane wants to win, but if he wants to help the Blackhawks push for the championship and win again, where his career began, he can sign a three-year contract to finish his career and be patient as they continue to build around him and their young phenomenon, Connor Bedard.

This idea seems like a bit of a stretch, but the Blackhawks have the cap space to bring in Kane and extend Bedard long-term, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the two sides could consider a reunion.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have done almost everything they needed to do this offseason, and are a serious contender heading into the 2026-27 season, but they still have one hole on their roster.

The Oilers could benefit from getting another top-six forward, though it could keep Isaac Howard from getting a bigger role, and Kane could be a perfect fit.

Putting Kane alongside Leon Draisaitl on the Oilers’ second line could end up being one of the most exciting and creative duos the NHL has seen in a long time, and adding offensive depth should be beneficial to the Oilers as they finally try to win the Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid.

Any of these three teams would make a lot of sense to add Kane this season, but it appears he is willing to wait as he considers where he will continue his playing career.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, be sure to stay tuned Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from the NHL and the world of hockey.