This summer, Patrick Kane opted for hip surgery early, which may have impacted any summer plans he might have had, but it ultimately ensured that he'd be ready to go early on into the 2023-24 season. Kane remains a UFA, but will not have any shortage of suitors when the time comes to sign a contract.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Kane is currently in Toronto as he works his way through rehab. Obviously, with Kane in Toronto, there's a ton of speculation over whether or not he has met with the Leafs at all, but as Dreger pointed out on Thursday, when Kane is set to return, there will plenty of competition to enlist his services.
There's no question that Kane, even at 34, can still be a difference maker. His wealth of experience, his championship pedigree and his undeniable skill all make him a premium asset, even at his age. Kane is only 1 season removed from a 92-point campaign. Even last season, while battling through his ongoing hip issue, which greatly impacted his mobility, Kane still managed to produce 57 points in 73 games. A healthy Kane is capable of exceeding that, without a doubt.
The interesting question here is whether or not the Leafs have made any attempts to get in his ear during his rehab. Obviously, Kane knows that a number of teams are interested, as they would have been calling his agent since July 1st. However, if Kane has been in Toronto and in such close proximity to the Leafs, I'd be intrigued to know whether or not Brad Treliving and company have put together a campaign to convince him to stay put and play for the Leafs this season. The salary cap is obviously a major concern, but with Kane having made more than $115M over the course of his career, perhaps he'd be willing to take a 1-year, $1M deal to play with Matthews and pursue a Cup with the Leafs, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
