There were whispers that Patrick Kane and the New York Rangers may reunite, but it never happened. Kane has committed to staying with the Red Wings for another season with a $4 million deal.
Reportedly intent in signing Kane, the Rangers ultimately let him re-sign with the Red Wings. The glittering lights of New York City beckoned to him; why hadn’t he returned? The solution is dead easy. Pierre LeBrun of TSN said that Patrick Kane was the subject of interest from a number of teams, including Buffalo, the Sabres, his hometown team, the Rangers (his previous team), Montreal (for a short-term deal), and others. I believe he needed to find an excuse to leave Detroit because, ultimately, he enjoyed it there.
The 35-year-old returned to the NHL with Detroit after hip surgery and went on to score 20 goals, add 27 assists, and total 47 points in 50 games played. Thanks in large part to his chemistry with Alex DeBrincat, Kane flourished and appeared at ease with the Red Wings. Lebrun also stated that Kane wanted a longer contract, and given that he declined to sign with the Blueshirts, it’s reasonable to believe that the Rangers were unwilling to take the risk of offering him a longer deal. Instead, the Rangers signed center Sam Carrick and traded for Reilly Smith, a seasoned forward from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
