NHL Insider Explains The Reason Patrick Kane Left The Rangers

Patrick Kane, still a Free Agent as he finishes his recovery from hip surgery, left the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 seasons, traded to the Rangers in a house cleaning in the Windy City that saw Kane and fellow longtime Blackhawk Jonathan Toews end their time with the organization.

Toews season, and career in Chicago ending due to lingering long-COVID symptoms, the retooling culminating in Chicago winning of the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, earning perhaps the most prized draft ticket since McDavid in selecting Connor Bedard.

Multiple NHL Insiders have been able shed light with details on the Rangers decision to move on from Kane. On Tuesday, Rangers writer Larry Brooks reported in the New York Post that the team informed Kane he won't be re-joining, with the Rangers never having been in on Kane as a potential suitor.

Added on to Brooks' reporting is ESPN's Emily Kaplan, according to Kaplan's reporting, Kane was hoping to return to the Rangers, but GM Chris Drury told him the Rangers current cap situation would make that unlikely. According to CapFriendly, the Rangers currently have just $643,850 in available cap space. Kaplan reaffirms prior interest from the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been considered as outsiders, although signing Kane would be unlikely.

Patrick Kane, a former 1st Overall Pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, has a career 451 Goals, 786 Assists & 1,237 Points in 1,180 Games Played, with 21 Goals, 36 Assists & 57 Points in 73 Points for the Blackhawks and Rangers in 2022-23.

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