Surprising team very aggressively tried to sign Patrick Kane this summer

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Matt Garland
October 12, 2023 (9:26)

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Future Hall of Famer and current UFA Patrick Kane had hip resurfacing surgery in June and is expected to return to an NHL lineup in November.

The three time Stanley Cup winner has drawn attention from multiple NHL teams, with insider Elliotte Friedman reporting one Atlantic division team were extra aggressive in their pursuit this summer.

During his recent 32 Thoughts article on Sportsnet, Friedman mentioned that a Florida Panthers tried very aggressively to sign Patrick Kane this summer.

32 Thoughts: Why Scheifele, Hellebuyck stayed with the Jets

Friedman also added that Kane's hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres, are also a team to watch in the coming weeks as the three-time Stanley Cup champion decides who he'll play for during the 2023-24 season.

"In the not-too-distant future, Patrick Kane's return is going to become a dominant NHL story.

The video released by his agency (CAA) had its intended effect, and there's a lot of interest. Kane will wait to see how teams start. Florida was very aggressive during the summer, but Buffalo will be the team to watch." Friedman said.

The 34 year old put up 16 goals and 45 points in 54 games with Chicago. He was moved to the New York Rangers in a deadline trade.

Kane was not at 100% but sill managed 5 goals and 12 points in 19 regular season games. He added 1 goal and 6 points in the Rangers seven game series against the New Jersey Devils.

Both the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers possess high flying offences finishing 2nd and 3rd in the Eastern Conference last season in goals for.

Potentially adding Kane's fire power to their lineups will surely put them in the playoffs come April.