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With Patrick Kane's retirement looming, his replacement is already in the Red Wings organization
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Patrick Kane's replacement could already be within the Detroit Red Wings organization, according to the latest reports.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane re-signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings during the offseason ahead of his 19th NHL season.
At 36 years old, there's no doubt that the player won't be in the league for many more years. However, as of now, he's having a great season with the Wings so far.
After three games, the veteran has four points, including one goal.
Although he can still bring an impact to the lineup, in Detroit, people are starting to think about what's coming and who could fill his role if he decides to sign elsewhere or simply retire from the NHL.
In a new report, his potential replacement was named.
Patrick Kane's Replacement Emerges: He's Already A Member Of The Detroit Red Wings
Kane has had an amazing career, establishing himself as one of the United States' best players of all time.
Replacing him won't be an easy task, but according to a report, the Wings could already have drafted him.
Indeed, the Wings legend and current KHL coach Sergei Fedorov mentioned that Dmitri Buchelnikov could have what it takes to have a big offensive impact on the team.
Here's what he had to say about the Red Wings' second-round pick in 2022:
"Nicest guy ever. Very talented. He's one of the top six here. Most of the time, they start the game with their line."
"He's not thin, but he's certainly not very tall. Yeah, he's a small forward."
"The hockey we play, it's men's hockey. It's responsible hockey."
"Yeah, he's a goal scorer, definitely. He's one of those. He can make a play, too. Make a couple of passes. So offensively, really no problem. He will get his probably 20, 30 goals here, I hope, because he plays power play almost every game (and gets) three, four chances."
"He's not thin, but he's certainly not very tall. Yeah, he's a small forward."
"The hockey we play, it's men's hockey. It's responsible hockey."
"Yeah, he's a goal scorer, definitely. He's one of those. He can make a play, too. Make a couple of passes. So offensively, really no problem. He will get his probably 20, 30 goals here, I hope, because he plays power play almost every game (and gets) three, four chances."
In 14 games played for the Moscow CSKA in the KHL this season, the 22-year-old 5-foot-10 winger tallied nine points, including five goals, which is impressive for a player his age in the KHL.
To say he could replace Kane seems far-fetched, and putting those expectations on his shoulders even before his arrival in North America doesn't seem like the right move to help him with the pressure of the NHL.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 15 | 288 ANSWERS With Patrick Kane's retirement looming, his replacement is already in the Red Wings organization Do you think Dmitri Buchelnikov will play in the NHL next season? | ||
| Yes | 205 | 71.2 % |
| No | 83 | 28.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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