When news broke out that Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane was planning on testing the market, some were surprised, while others saw it coming from a mile away.
The American legend has spent his last three seasons with Detroit, collecting 163 points in 189 games with the club. Last season, the 36-year-old put up 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games.
At this time last year, Kane had already signed a deal with the Red Wings. This time around, with an uncertain future surrounding Dylan Larkin, Kane is exploring the market a little more than he has in the past.
It's clear Kane still has what it takes to be a higher-end offensive contributor at the NHL level, but it isn't clear whether or not he plans to bring that to the Red Wings again. That said, it might be time for the Red Wings to recognize that, whether through retirement or free agency, one day, there's going to be a future without Patrick Kane in the lineup.
Red Wings should prepare for future without Kane
If the Wings have to contend without Kane in the lineup they need to come up with a contingency plan to replace his production.
As of right now, the plan appears to be making up his scoring in the aggregate. They've signed even-strength merchant Viktor Arvidsson, opened up a handful of roster spots for rookies and younger players, as well. This allows the lineup to get younger and faster and opens up an opportunity on the power play for a would-be scorer like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Still, can a rookie (or two) and Arvidsson make up for Kane's production? The Wings already have to contend with a Larkin-less future. They've got to make up extra scoring with the departure of James van Riemsdyk and David Perron. Will the Red Wings bottom out?
While it's true that Kane was a top-five scorer on the Red Wings last season, he was also defensively deficient, frequently missing coverage in his own end. To be fair, Kane's never been defensively stalwart, but the issues are cropping up more frequently as he ages. If the Red Wings truly collapse without a soon-to-be 37-year-old in the lineup, then they have much bigger problems they've got to deal with in the future.
Red Wings not done with free agency just yet
The fact that Steve Yzerman hasn't called a press conference yet signals that he's not finished with free agency yet. There are still a few intriguing candidates out there he can use to bolster the lineup. In all likelihood, Yzerman is likely waiting to hear back from Kane before calling for a press conference to discuss the moves made in free agency.
As of right now, it's unclear where Kane is looking. He's already the most decorated American hockey player in history and has three Stanley Cups to his name. He's built something of a life here in Michigan, with his children and Alex DeBrincat's children growing close as they grow up. That said, Kane originally hails from Buffalo, New York, and may take a chance with the Sabres. There's also a chance he returns to the Chicago Blackhawks for one final year with his draft team.
No matter what happens, the Red Wings should prepare for a Kane-less roster and enjoy a pleasant surprise if he happens to make it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google