The Buffalo Sabres might be about to lose a key offensive piece, and one of the most famous names in hockey could end up filling the void.
Alex Tuch is reportedly planning to test free agency on July 1 unless something changes fast. Multiple reports suggest the 27-year-old forward and the Sabres haven’t found common ground on a new deal, and barring a last-minute breakthrough, he’ll hit the open market. That would leave general manager Jarmo Kekalainen without a three-time 30-goal scorer — but also with some salary cap room to find a replacement.
Enter Patrick Kane.
The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer grew up in Buffalo. He’s currently unsigned after his latest stint with the Detroit Red Wings. And according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there’s chatter about whether Kane could be the guy the Sabres target if Tuch walks.
“We’ve wondered what Dylan Larkin’s trade request mean for Alex DeBrincat, who is entering the final year of his contract in Detroit. But we’ve not asked what Larkin’s request means for Patrick Kane, who will become a UFA July 1 and wants to keep playing,” Pagnotta wrote Thursday. “Could he be an Alex Tuch replacement in Buffalo?”
Kane still has gas in the tank
Kane is 37 and obviously not the same player who won three Stanley Cups with Chicago. But he’s still productive. This past season with Detroit, he put up 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games. That’s not superstar numbers anymore, but it’s legit secondary scoring. His creativity with the puck and power-play IQ still make him a weapon for any team.
The hometown connection is real, too. Kane was linked to the Sabres a couple of years ago before he chose Detroit. Now that he’s a free agent again and wants to keep playing, the fit makes some sense on paper.
Buffalo just made the playoffs for the first time in forever and came within one win of the Eastern Conference Final. They lost a brutal Game 7 at home to Montreal. The franchise is trying to take the next step, and adding a high-IQ veteran with championship pedigree could help. Especially if they’re losing Tuch.
No guarantees yet
At this point, there’s no indication Buffalo is actively pursuing Kane. But with free agency less than two weeks away and a thin crop of available talent, the rumor isn’t going away. The Sabres need scoring. Kane needs a team. And the idea of a Buffalo kid coming home to finish his career with a contending team? That writes itself.
Kane has made it clear he’s not retiring. Where he lands is shaping up to be one of the more interesting subplots of NHL free agency this summer.
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