As the National Hockey League trade deadline looms, so does Patrick Kane’s future.
The NHL trade deadline is Friday, March 3rd, at 3:00 pm. Kane and his agent, Pat Brisson, plan to inform the Blackhawks of how Kane would like to spend the rest of his career this week. Kane has, after all, earned that respect.
As a member of the Blackhawks, Kane won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, and 2015.) Kane won the Conn Smythe award for the most valuable player in the playoffs when the Blackhawks won the cup in 2013. Kane also won the Hart Memorial Trophy as Most Valuable Player and Art Ross Trophy as the scoring champion in the 2015 season.
Leaving Toews?
To leave Chicago would mean to leave Jonathan Toews, who Kane has surely grown close to over the last 15 years. Would Kane really be okay with leaving his best friend behind to chase one more championship?
It seems that way with how the rumors are swirling, but with vacancies being filled by teams in need, such as the Rangers and Maple Leafs, the Blackhawks are running out of potential trade partners that Kane would approve of.
Making a Statement
Kane would have to waive a no-trade clause in his contract to be traded by the March 3rd deadline. Kane seemingly wanted to make a statement when the Blackhawks played the Maple Leafs recently, recording a hattrick and four total points as the Blackhawks toppled the Maple Leafs 5-3 on Sunday night.
The Blackhawks must know immediately, regardless of what Kane wants to do. If the team cannot offer him as an asset, the team can move on to trying to deal with other players on the roster.
Making a Case for Kane to Stay
The team is expected to enter a complete rebuild in the coming years. It’s the price they’re paying after winning three Stanley Cups in just six years. With the team entering a rebuild with a swathe of young talent, it is the perfect way for Kane to cement his legacy with the next generation of Blackhawk players.
Some NHL Legends that have spent their entire career include Ryan Getzlaf, Pavel Datsyuk, Niklas Lidstrom, and Steve Yzerman. When fans think of these players, they are synonymous with the teams they played for. Patrick Kane is no different, and such a trade would tarnish his “pure” hockey legacy with an original six-team like the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks have the third most players in league history to have played over ten seasons with a team who have also spent their entire career there. It would be in Patrick Kane’s best interest to stay with the Blackhawks as he solidifies himself among the players synonymous with NHL franchises.
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