The Detroit Red Wings have made some efforts to upgrade the squad, even with the Dylan Larkin situation hanging over the team. While modest moves, Steve Yzerman has done his best to keep the team competitive enough for next season.
Amid the apparent turmoil, one of the issues on the docket is the slew of outstanding UFAs the team has on the list. One of them, goalie Cam Talbot, won’t likely be back after the Wings signed Daniil Tarasov to back up John Gibson.
Other UFAs include Travis Hamonic, David Perron, and James van Riemsdyk. None of the aforementioned free agents is likely to return to the Motor City. But if there’s one UFA who should, it is Patrick Kane.
The 37-year-old is officially a free agent and has not hinted at retirement. He’s had a successful second life following double hip resurfacing surgery. In fact, the former first-overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft has been a solid top-six winger.
Last season, he scored 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games, defensive gaffes notwithstanding. That’s pretty good production on a team that sorely lacked offensive output last season. Kane ended up fifth on the team in total scoring, while fourth in goals.
Beyond Alex DeBrincat’s 40-goal season and another 30-goal campaign by Dylan Larkin, Kane trailed Lucas Raymond’s 25 tallies.
Yes, the Red Wings had four other forwards who hit double digits in goals. But that’s only a part of the story. Kane finished the season with 41 assists, fourth on the club. That’s another dimension that Detroit needs to preserve. The club had few playmakers as it is. So, losing Kane would mean having to make up that difference somewhere else.
Red Wings can easily afford to bring Kane back
The Red Wings currently have $18.6 million in cap space. As such, they can easily afford to bring back Kane. Even if the club signed him to another one-year deal in the $3 million range, it would be a pittance compared to what other top-six wingers are making out there.
The fit is undeniable. Kane’s presence on the still very young team is crucial. And if Larkin does indeed leave, the clubhouse will need a major veteran presence to help the club remain steady.
Could Kane become captain material in Detroit? That’s a possibility in a post-Larkin world for the Red Wings. Even if he doesn’t sign a multi-year deal, there’s significant value in naming Kane captain, even if it is for a short-term stint.
Overall, if the Red Wings were going to splurge a bit on a veteran forward this summer, it would have to be on Patrik Kane. There is no other UFA that the club should bring back. Perhaps van Riemsdyk might have a case.
But if there’s a clear-cut choice, it has to be Kane.
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