Patrick Kane remains the biggest name still sitting in NHL free agency, and the latest buzz has him tied to two familiar-looking destinations: the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
The Detroit Red Wings are not expected to bring him back, which has pushed Kane into a market where several teams could make a run. Over the weekend, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said Kane could also think about a return to the Chicago Blackhawks if he decides to change teams again. But if he lands elsewhere, Pagnotta pointed to Toronto and Buffalo as the two possibilities.
Pagnotta described Kane as “linked” to both clubs in this free-agent stretch, though that hardly means anything is finalized. Still, the chatter around both teams has been building, and Kane’s name keeps popping up as a fit.
Buffalo makes obvious sense because Kane is from there. Toronto, meanwhile, is looking for a fast rebound after a rough 2025-26 season, and a player with Kane’s offensive touch would give them a real boost.
Kane turns 38 in November, but he’s still coming off a productive year. He finished with 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games.
The résumé is still staggering: 1,400 points in 1,369 NHL games, including 508 goals and 892 assists. Even now, his stick skills remain among the best in the league, which is why both the Maple Leafs and Sabres would have plenty of interest if the opportunity is there. His name is one to keep watching.
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