Three names to watch for Rangers as trade deadline approaches
By Conor Power
Patrick Kane
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, one of the greatest America-born players of all time is going to be available at the trade deadline if he chooses to be. While this could be misinterpreted as someone suggesting that Kane may not wish to waive his no-movement clause to leave the Windy City, the Chicago Blackhawks iconic winger has more issues than meets the eye when talking about a potential move to the Big Apple.
Kane is dealing with an injury that needs surgery. It’s a nagging problem and it is something that if he had his surgery on now, would ensure he missed the rest of the season according to reports. It means that Kane’s already low trade value from him having a no-movement clause and enduring a down year is even lower because he is coping with an injury. This isn’t to say he won’t be moved if he opts to play through the pain.
New York has always seemed like a good fit for Kane due to the fact he is from upstate. He’s one of the best right-wingers in hockey and he is a perfect fit for the Rangers. The issue is that on top of the injuries and the no-movement clause I eluded to earlier, he makes $10.5 against the cap. Even half retained, his $5.25 against the cap would be a tight fit for the Blueshirts at this moment in time.
According to the Athletic, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the Rangers will be making a move for the iconic number 88. There will be players that the Rangers could get for cheaper in order to make the roster better ahead of the playoff push as the Blueshirts seek the right to hang a fifth Stanley Cup banner above the ice at Madison Square Garden. We’ll see what happens with Kane.