The Perfect Forward to Replace Mitch Marner's Playmaking Abilities Emerges in Free Agency
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Mitch Marner's departure could open the door for the Maple Leafs to sign three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane this summer as his replacement.
While the Maple Leafs are looking towards a future without Mitch Marner, they could do themselves a huge favor by not only adding a three-time Stanley Cup winner, but a true offensive legend in Patrick Kane.
Toronto should sign Patrick Kane to help replace Mitch Marner's offense
What's not to love about Kane? He's ranked third on the US' all-time scoring list, has won pretty much everything under the sun, and is still a top-line contributor even at 36.
Bringing in a player like Kane, who has multiple Stanley Cups, over 1300 games experience, and was named on the NHL's 100 Greatest Players ever list.
But it's his playoff production where he shines, and clearly has a huge edge over Marner. In 143 games he has 138 points (53G, 85A) and has proven he can win under the highest of stakes.
A bonafide Hall of Fame candidate, the addition of Kane would initially throw a few off given his age, but considering he still put up 59 points in 72 games, he shows no signs of slowing down considerably.
He also just so happens to be Auston Matthews' favorite player.
So giving him the chance to play alongside Matthews, and have two of the greatest American players of all-time on the same line might lead to some wild offensive opportunities.
Kane is naturally a playmaker even though he has nearly 500 career goals, and his innate ability to find the open lane and sneak a pass through is nearly unmatched.
But how much will Patrick Kane cost the Maple Leafs?
Coming off a one-year deal where he earned $4M with Detroit, Kane is probably going to only get a one or two-year deal at the end of the day, and if the Maple Leafs are confident he can help Matthews and replace at least some of Marner's offense then they'll pay him.
He could get a one-year deal worth $5.5M or perhaps take a bit of a hit in the initial salary and sign for two-years at $9.5M; and would be a solid investment up front with Matthews and a motivated and blossoming Matthew Knies.
That's really not in the grand scheme of things, and adding a legitimate generational talent with the credentials Kane has, they don't come along often; especially with the solid contributions.
While the team does need to make sure they have enough money to sign Matthew Knies and potentially John Tavares; plus whoever else Brad Treliving sees fit for the team, they should seriously consider signing Kane.
He's a legend in the sport, and could cap off his illustrious career by being the one to end Toronto's 50+ year Cup drought.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 469 ANSWERS The Perfect Forward to Replace Mitch Marner's Playmaking Abilities Emerges in Free Agency Do you think Patrick Kane would be the right fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 231 | 49.3 % |
| No | 238 | 50.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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