Patrick Kane would be a game-changer for Rangers, Maple Leafs

With the NHL trade deadline looming, some big names have already been moved. One of the other stars drawing attention with a possible trade on the horizon is Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks.

While no one knows for sure whether or not the three-time Stanley Cup champion will actually seek a trade before March 3, it’s fun to speculate when a player of Kane’s magnitude is on the table. With that said, fans got a glimpse at where the 34-year-old could go on Tuesday.

Former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, now with TSN, reported that the two teams to which Kane would accept a trade are the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Patrick Kane would be a game-changer for the Rangers or Maple Leafs.

Let’s quickly talk about what Kane would do for the Rangers, because it seems unlikely at this point that they would truly be in contention to add him.

Acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko is a huge boost to the New York lineup, and adding Kane would further help last season’s Eastern Conference runners-up become more dangerous. However, it seems like a long shot that the Rangers will add Kane after adding a different winger in Tarasenko.

Besides, the Rangers’ ability to win lies with their young players and how well they play in the postseason. A move for Kane would be fun, but it’s probably not a fit in the Big Apple.

It will also be a stretch for the Maple Leafs to pull off a deal. According to CapFriendly, the Leafs have no cap space to work with when attempting to make a trade.

Toronto’s financial constraints have been well-documented amid their string of postseason letdowns, and it would handcuff them again here. Now, Kane’s contract expires after this season, but that’s still $10.5 million that has to go somewhere this season.

With all of that said, Kane could have a huge impact on the Leafs, as I cannot recall them adding a player like him in the past. With no disrespect to players like Joe Thornton, a team can only add so many veterans in their mid to late 30s that have not won a Stanley Cup.

Kane not only brings experience in the NHL in general, but he has playoff experience, championship experience, and can still produce offensively.

Of course, any team that acquires Patrick Kane will benefit, but the Rangers, and especially the Maple Leafs, could thrive after adding the long-time Blackhawks forward.