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Patrick Kane's days in Detroit over? It was just confirmed by an NHL insider in Canadian teams' interest
According to a report from Antonio Losada of Athlon Sports, a forward of the Detroit Red Wings may be poached by the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency this offseason as a replacement for Mitch Marner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are buckling up for a busy off-season as one of their most leading goal scorers in Mitch Marner is on top of the list for UFA's, and will be in need of a new contract.
Alongside Marner's contract expiring, so is John Tavares', who will free a whopping $11 million in cap space once this summer hits.
Losado echoed a statement recently released by The Athletic which addresses the Maple Leafs' plan B option if Marner and or Tavares decide to test the free agent market and it involves a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
The Athletic stated that the Maple Leafs' potential replacement could be three-time Stanley Cup Champion Patrick Kane, a childhood hero of Auston Matthews.
«Marner leaving could mean a full-time, top-line role for William Nylander,» Mirtle and Siegel wrote. «But even if Nylander continues to play away from Auston Matthews more than with him, losing Marner would necessitate the addition of another top-six winger in free agency or via trade.
It's possible the Leafs pass on the top UFA wingers and pursue a short-term replacement in the top six to go with a center in the Tavares/Duchene category. In that case, (an intriguing option) would be Matthews' childhood hero, Patrick Kane.»
It's possible the Leafs pass on the top UFA wingers and pursue a short-term replacement in the top six to go with a center in the Tavares/Duchene category. In that case, (an intriguing option) would be Matthews' childhood hero, Patrick Kane.»
Kane's having a breakout season after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, having 52 points in 63 games on a Red Wings roster which stands on the outside of the playoffs at the moment.
"Kane is 36, and there's injury risk, but the bargain potential is there if he can stay healthy," The Athletic's analysts wrote.
Marner is expected to reach upwards of $13-14 million in his next contract after the Maple Leafs attempted to trade him at the deadline in exchange for Mikko Rantanen.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 306 ANSWERS Patrick Kane's days in Detroit over? It was just confirmed by an NHL insider in Canadian teams' interest Do you think Steve Yzerman should lock up Patrick Kane with an extension? | ||
| Yes | 280 | 91.5 % |
| No | 26 | 8.5 % |
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