Rangers to Pass on Kane’s Broadway Encore

Discover why the  New York Rangers are steering clear of Patrick Kane’s encore on Broadway. Delve into the dynamics of this decision. 

The Broadway lights won’t be shining on Patrick Kane for an encore with the New York Rangers. According to the New York Post, he’s eyeing a decision by Thanksgiving, but the Blueshirts aren’t in the game this time.

Instead, the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Sabres, Red Wings, Stars, and Lightning are gearing up to woo Kane over the next week. Rumor he’s open to a multiyear deal or a quick one-year reset for a decent fee. Showtime reportedly met with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. He’s been skating there for the last six weeks.

The Blueshirts Pivot: Why the Rangers Are Steering Clear of Patrick Kane’s Second Act:

Now, let’s rewind to when Kane donned the Blueshirt last season after some serious cap magic by President and General Manager Chris Drury. Despite the hype and a reunion with Artemi Panarin from their Chicago Blackhawks days, things didn’t click as expected. Dealing with known physical limitations, Kane fell short of his explosive self, especially in the postseason.

Sure, there was a glimmer of Kane magic in Game 2 against the New Jersey Devils when he had a three-point night in a 5-1 win. Yet the risk-reward equation seems to be tilting. Kane’s aiming for a comeback after hip resurfacing surgery, a move that didn’t bode well for others like Nickolas Backstrom, Ed Jovanovski , and Ryan Kesler. All three have never been the same players.

While some doubted Jack Eichel’s neck surgery, the Vegas Golden Knights took the chance when they acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres. They had the last laugh with a Cup victory last season. Eichel was back to his stellar self. He had 27 goals and 66 points in 67 regular season games. Then, he elevated his play in the postseason and was their leading scorer with 26 points in 22 games.

Can Kane do the same? Would he have improved the Rangers depth at wing? Maybe, but he’s 35, and not what he used to be.  It’s the reality despite some fan’s wishes, including one of my good friends who received a puck from him before game seven last year against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

At the time, I told him to cherish it because it’s potentially the last time he donned the Rangers sweater. Now, that seems to be the truth. It’s not a shock to me. Head Coach Peter Laviolette preaches defense as much as he does offense, which hasn’t been Kane’s forte the last few seasons.

Also, New York doesn’t have much cap space and is rolling at 11-2-1. This is the case despite them being without Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, Vezina Trophy winner Artemi Panarin, and second-line center Filip Chytil. Why mess with what’s working?

No doubt the Kane sweepstakes are intriguing. Whoever lures the future Hall of Famer will instantly improve their offense without giving up any assets. However, the Rangers aren’t placing their bets on a Broadway return.