Reports Suggest Leafs Could Go After Top Remaining UFA

The Leafs may be a potential team to secure the signing of Free Agent Patrick Kane.

Kane told John Wawrow of The Associated Press that he feels better after getting surgery for an injury sustained while playing for the Blackhawks, who traded Kane last season to the Rangers, ending a 16-year run with Chicago.

The move does make sense, as it adds a proven playoff roster to a Toronto team desperate to win now with free agency looming for multiple key players. Kane's presence could be a net positive for Leafs Star Auston Matthews, who is a fan and friend of the former Blackhawks and Rangers Forward, with Kane saying in an interview the 2 stay in touch.

Michael Augello of HockeyBuzz, seems to think Kane could think a one-year "show-me" deal once he returns from injury, potentially in January.

It's unlikely Kane would sign with the Leafs. Kane has shown interest in being closer to home, indicated by the trade deadline move to send him to the New York Rangers, Kane's birth state. The Buffalo, NY native would be more likely to sign for a team like the Sabres. Despite Augello's opinion a move there is unlikely, the Sabres have just as strong a team as Toronto's, with Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch & Rasmus Dahlin all giving Buffalo promise as a potential contender next season.

The Leafs cap situation may lead to Kane being a bit too costly for the Leafs, who are likely more focused on re-signing core players. With the signings of Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi, it seems unlikely Toronto adds another Winger, seemingly pushing Matthew Knies out of the top-nine. It seems like an unrealistic scenario, but one that could help the Leafs in the short term, and gives them some playoff experience desperately needed, although nothing seems set in stone right now, with Kane seemingly looking to get back on the ice before making any career decisions.