If Patrick Kane gets to the open market, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be in the mix. That's the read from reporter Nick Alberga on Sunday morning, and in the context of Toronto's offseason, it makes complete sense.
The Leafs finished 32-36-14 this season, twenty-eighth overall. They allowed 299 goals, worst in the Atlantic Division, and ended the year on a seven-game losing streak.
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This is a franchise that needs scoring, leadership, and veteran presence. All three things Kane has delivered over a Hall of Fame career.
Auston Matthews played just 60 games this season, posting 53 points. William Nylander added 79 in 65. The Leafs have top-end talent, but not enough depth around it to compete when the health breaks down.
Kane on a short-term deal would be a low-risk, high-upside play for GM Chris Chayka. The cap hit would be manageable. The offensive creativity he brings to a power play is immediate.
Toronto's power play ranked among the weakest in the division this season. Adding a player of Kane's caliber with the man advantage changes that conversation quickly.
Kane's fit in Toronto goes beyond just the scoresheet
The Leafs don't just need goals. They need a veteran who has been in meaningful games and produced. Matthews is 28. Nylander is 30. This roster is at the point where every year without a deep run puts more pressure on the next season.
Chayka said this week the team is looking at depth first, then bigger swings. Kane, depending on what he wants, could be either. A secondary scoring role at $3 or $4 million is realistic. A featured role is a different conversation entirely.
The bigger question is whether Kane wants Toronto specifically. Playing in that market, with that scrutiny, at this stage of his career is not a decision every veteran makes lightly.
But the Leafs clearly aren't standing still this offseason. Kane would signal that loudly.
Should the Maple Leafs sign Patrick Kane this offseason?
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