Atlantic Division Team Wants Showtime Badly
The Buffalo Sabres franchise has been through piles of misery the last decade, failing to make the playoffs since the 2010-2011 season. Things look to be finally turning around in Buffalo with a young core of high draft picks like Tage Thompson, Casey Mittelstadt, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power leading the way.
The Sabres need to take the next step and break this over decade long playoff drought. The young core was finally able to play meaningful games down the stretch last season but ultimately failed in reaching their goal missing the playoffs by only a point.
Help could be on the way if a current UFA superstar decides coming home to Buffalo. Patrick Kane is recovering from undergoing surgery on his hip during the off-season and it's expected that he could return to an NHL lineup in early-November.
TSN's Darren Dreger was on Sabres Live on Thursday, saying there's no doubt going to be plenty of interested teams that'll want to sign the three-time Stanley Cup champion to a contract for the 2023-24 season.
"To get back to Buffalo. No doubt that the Buffalo Sabres have tremendous interest in Patty Kane. I know that Kevyn Adams has had conversation already with Pat Brisson. There's history with Don Granato, there's history with Kevyn Adams and Patty Kane. And historically speaking, the family in Buffalo. It makes a lot of sense. I think there's obviously going to be multiple teams in the mix." Dreger said.
Kane's agency, CAA Hockey, released a video on social media on Wednesday to show teams that he is gearing up for a return to the NHL and that he can still compete at the highest level.
Despite dealing with this hip issue for the last couple of seasons, the 34 year old, managed to put up 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists) in 73 games between the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers during the 2022-23 campaign.
Buffalo has $8.77 million in cap space and for a team with playoff aspirations this season, adding Patrick Kane could put them over the top in a very competitive Eastern Conference.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Buffalo Sabres will make the playoffs this season | ||
| Yes, the young core is ready to take the next step | 25 | 43.1 % |
| No, the Eastern Conference is too tough | 26 | 44.8 % |
| Only if Kane signs in Buffalo | 7 | 12.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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