Toronto had a chance to sign Patrick Kane in 2023 but Detroit signed him instead. Now he's the only veteran they seem to want to keep around.
In 2023 the Maple Leafs were on Patrick Kane's shortlist but he decided to sign with Detroit instead. After three solid seasons in Detroit, the 37-year old is still showing signs of that dynamic offensive player who helped lead the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups.
But in getting older, his window to win is closing. Detroit isn't exactly sitting in a spot to perennially compete especially with Buffalo, Montreal, Florida, Tampa Bay and potentially Toronto all in the mix next year.
Patrick Kane is sticking around Detroit as the veteran exodus is set to begin
The Red Wings are full of young exciting talent that eventually need a spot in the lineup, and with a bunch of older players on expiring deals, it looks like they'll have the room. Especially since a new report shows that Kane is the only veteran sticking around.
Red Wings beat writer Kevin Allen revealed that Detroit has a list of free agents over 35 they are going to be letting test the waters in the twilight of their career, however he expects the team to extend Kane going forward:
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Kane, 37, had 57 points in 67 games this season and has a total of 163 points in 189 games for the Red Wings since signing in 2023. For someone who didn't have a ton of expectations heading into Detroit after a rough 2022-23 with Chicago and New York, he's certainly exceeded those with his output.
Toronto missed out on a potential point-per-game player in his mid-30s who could've stabilized the lineup anywho just put up his most assists since 2021-22; he's the playmaker Auston Matthews needed then and still needs now.
Kane only made $3-million this season and looks more than comfortable in Detroit, and if they are looking to extend him for a couple more seasons then they may even be able to get a discount and get him even cheaper.
Already a surefire Hall of Famer, Kane could still put up great numbers for a couple seasons and cement himself as a true legend; especially if he helps Detroit get to a Cup.
Toronto's missed opportunity is still haunting them to this very day
If Kane were part of the Maple Leafs things may be a lot different knowing they not only have a proven playoff contributor but someone even in his veteran years can still be elite.
The last star they had was obviously Mitch Marner and he left town. Detroit isn't letting Kane go, and no matter what other people want Toronto to do, there's no chance they can pry him out of the Motor City.
They had their chance and blew it. The Maple Leafs could have had Marner and Kane together in the lineup, and he would have been an instant improvement offensively over everyone except the Core Four. Toronto instead went with Tyler Bertuzzi who was solid, but also skipped town right after.
Currently the team is still searching for their Kane; a player who can produce efficiently in all aspects of the game, both in the regular season and postseason.
They have some decent options like Alex Tuch who could provide some great offensive help and has a Stanley Cup, and they aren't as lucky as Detroit who just get to keep their veteran for as long as they and he want.
But missing out on Patrick Kane definitely changed the trajectory of the Toronto Maple Leafs' future though he's fit in perfectly fine with their Original Six rivals and ready to make them regret not signing him even more.
Do you think Patrick Kane would've been a good signing for the Maple Leafs?
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