After Thanksgiving, future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane made it clear he wanted to sign with a new team, and it appears the Florida Panthers are still in the running.According to NHL Insider Kevin Weekes on NHL Network on Wednesday, the Panthers are the front-runners to sign the three-time Stanley Cup winner.”These guys are the frontrunners to acquire Patrick Kane as of right now, and this is always subject to change,” Weekes stated.
On July 1st, Kane, who turned 35 this past Sunday, underwent hip resurfacing surgery.
Kane has been skating and working out in the Toronto region, but it will likely take him some time to get in peak playing condition.
He informed the AP in August that he had already skated “about 20 times” and was almost ready to go back.
At the time, Kane stated, “It’s just exciting to see progression and just feel better on the ice.” It’s amazing because I feel like I’m kind of returning to who I was before.
In the meantime, the Panthers are still limited by the salary cap and do not have much money to give to Kane.
What is there to offer in Florida?
During his playing career in Florida in 1997–98, Weekes, who was selected by the Panthers in their first draft in 1993, remarked, “Well, let’s see: The team is good, it is a sweet place to live, no state income tax.”
“The Sunshine State’s weather will be pleasant for your body, especially because you’re an older player recovering from an injury. Fit is a factor, though. What part will he play? He wants to have a major role in things, not just contribute sporadically, am I right? The play’s style They have skill players that play at a fast speed, and they play an uptempo game. Of all the teams in the East, this one has the best chance of winning. They were just in the Cup Final the previous year. Oh, and Matthew Tkachuk is present.
Prior to being dealt to the Rangers at the deadline of the previous season, Kane, the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, played his whole career with the Blackhawks.
Kane scored 21 goals in 73 games with Chicago and New York while dealing with a failing hip.
Throughout his 1,180 regular season games played, Kane has 451 goals and 1,237 points scored.
Kane has 138 points and 53 goals in 143 postseason games.
Florida could use him in a variety of lineup spots if he signed with the Panthers, including on the right side of the third line alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.
Kane would most likely fit into Florida’s best power play group as well.
The Panthers will probably place defenseman Mike Reilly on waivers and loan him to AHL Charlotte in order to accommodate Kane within the salary cap.
Waiver-exempt Uvis Balinskis may also be going to Charlotte after Josh Mahura recovers sufficiently to exit injured reserve.
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