REPORT: Insider Reveals Red Wings Already Having Talks About Potentially Flipping Patrick Kane

Earlier this week the hockey world was turned on its head after Patrick Kane signed with the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year deal.

The deal gives Kane and the Red Wings some flexibility as they are only tied to him for one year at a relatively low cap hit. Insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that Kane could be traded if the Red Wings sit outside of the playoffs come the trade deadline.

The Red Wings are dark horse cup contenders as it stands and could miss the playoffs entirely if things do not go well. They currently have the first wild card spot in the east but could fall out of contention as teams like the Lightning and the Devils start playing up to their ability.

Assuming the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the playoffs while the Red Wings are out of the playoffs come deadline day, GM Brad Treliving could wind up landing the American winger.

The Leafs were one of the finalists for Kane and showed that they could use a guy like Kane for a playoff run. It would cost more for the Leafs to land Kane as it would be via trade but he could prove to be a valuable addition with retained salary.

With only a $2.75m cap hit, if the Red Wings retain 50% and Kane plays up to his abilities, a team like Toronto could add a star to their roster at only $1.375m. This should cost upwards of a first-round pick but if Kane winds up being the guy the Leafs need, Treliving should have no problem parting ways with a top pick.

As seen on House of Hockey - Kane's Time in Detroit May Be Over Sooner Than Expected