Reports that Patrick Kane is going to sign with one of the Red Wings' rivals

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin hasn't even been traded yet and the team is already feeling the fallout of his trade demands.

NHL insider David Pagnotta has already reported that Larkin's departure from the team could force forward Alex DeBrincat to also seek a move elsewhere. And if that's the case, then don't be surprised if Patrick Kane also elects to sign elsewhere this summer as a free agent.

In fact, Pangotta reports that Kane could be a perfect fit for his hometown Buffalo Sabres, especially if forward Alex Tuch departs as a free agent.

From Pagnotta:

We’ve wondered what Dylan Larkin’s trade request mean for Alex DeBrincat, who is entering the final year of his contract in Detroit. But we’ve not asked what Larkin’s request means for Patrick Kane, who will become a UFA July 1 and wants to keep playing. Could he be an Alex Tuch replacement in Buffalo?

Patrick Kane’s time with the Red Wings has been a fascinating late-career chapter for one of the NHL’s most accomplished players. After spending the majority of his Hall of Fame-caliber career with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane arrived in Detroit during the 2023-24 season following major hip resurfacing surgery, a procedure that had cast doubt on his future in the league.

Any concerns about his ability to remain an elite offensive player were quickly put to rest. Kane made an immediate impact for the Red Wings, providing the club with a dynamic offensive presence and valuable veteran leadership. Despite joining the team partway through the season, he recorded 20 goals and 47 points in just 50 games, helping Detroit remain in the playoff race until the final days of the regular season. His chemistry with fellow American star Alex DeBrincat, a former teammate in Chicago, became one of the highlights of the season.

Following his successful return, Kane re-signed with Detroit and continued to be one of the team's most productive forwards during the 2024-25 campaign. While the Red Wings ultimately fell short of ending their lengthy playoff drought, Kane remained a key contributor, finishing among the club’s top scorers with 59 points in 72 games. His offensive creativity, puck-handling ability, and power-play production remained evident even as he moved deeper into his thirties.

Beyond the statistics, Kane has provided Detroit with something equally valuable: experience. As a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Hart Trophy winner, he has served as an important mentor for the Red Wings’ emerging core, including players such as Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider. His professionalism and understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level have been important assets for a franchise attempting to return to contender status.

Although Detroit has yet to reach the playoffs during Kane’s tenure, his signing has largely been viewed as a success. Now though, with the team at a cross roads you have to wonder if Kane's time in Motown is coming to an end?