Massive Addition: Canadiens Closing In On Agreement To Sign Experienced Veteran Forward In Free Agency
The NHL Entry Draft has concluded and we’re now just a day away from the opening of free agency. With that, the rumours around the NHL are coming in hot and heavy. In this NHL Rumours segment, we focus on a rumour that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in veteran forward Patrick Kane.
NHL Rumours: Veteran Forward of Interest for Canadiens
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Montreal Canadiens will be making a run at Patrick Kane when free agency opens.
Canadiens Surprisingly Linked to Kane
When you hear the name Patrick Kane, you think of clubs that are already Stanley Cup contenders and are eager to add that next piece. Consider teams like as the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche. However, according to Seravalli, the Canadiens will participate in free agency when it begins on July 1st.
While it is a bit surprising, it also makes quite a bit of sense from the Canadiens’ standpoint. First of all, the Habs are hoping to make the playoffs this coming season. And it’s no secret they’re looking to add offence this offseason. When it comes to offence, Patrick Kane is one of the top free agents in the market. Last season, Kane scored 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games for the Detroit Red Wings. At 35-years-old, Kane showed he is still able to produce. He would be an excellent add for the Canadiens to get some secondary scoring which is so drastically needed. And to be able to get it without giving up assets as well as at a cheap cap hit (only signed for $2.75 for one year last season) this would be a huge win for the Canadiens.
Canadiens Would Have Options for Kane if They Do Not Make the Playoffs
If the Canadiens fail to make the playoffs, they may trade Kane to a Stanley Cup contender before the deadline, depending on how far behind they were. Last season, the Red Wings hung onto Kane as their playoff chances came down to the wire. Unfortunate. They couldn’t risk dealing him and throwing up their playoff hopes. That scenario is unlikely to occur again, but if it does, it is not the end of the world, since the club hopes to play important hockey in March and April this season. The major goal is to make the playoffs.
Kane Would be a Massive Addition to the Canadiens
Signing Patrick Kane is a win-win situation. The Canadiens must improve their secondary scoring from last year, as offence has dried up outside of the top line. Adding Kane to the Canadiens’ second line, which includes ex-teammate Kirby Dach, would significantly increase the offense. His signing would also benefit the club’s powerplay, which finished 27th in the league last season.
While there’s no telling if Kane actually an has interest in joining the Canadiens, we can certainly expect Kent Hughes to be calling looking for his services. He’s rumoured to be looking to improve the offence this offseason and Kane would certainly be a player who fits that bill. It should be an interesting offseason for the Canadiens.
