NHL free agency: 5 notable free agents who are still available

By Marci Rubin | Jul 3, 2023

Apr 25, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 18, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers right wing Patrick Kane (88) brings the puck up ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Notable NHL free agents still available No. 4: Patrick Kane

It isn’t surprising that Patrick Kane is still on the market. If it wasn’t for his injury, he probably would be locked up for next season by now. But his hip surgery makes things complicated. He’s likely to end up as the last notable free agent left unsigned. It’s possible he won’t re-sign until the fall. His agent, Pat Brisson, revealed that Kane would be weighing his options towards October.

Kane’s impact is probably going to be in the second half of the season since he won’t be at full strength in the first half. The three-time Stanley Cup champion is expected to sign with a contender, a team that is playing meaningful games towards the end of the regular season before heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

During the 2022-23 season, Kane was traded to the New York Rangers by his long-time team the Chicago Blackhawks. The 34-year-old tallied 57 points during the regular season, far below his usual production. He’ll look to bounce back next season once he returns to the ice.

There’s a chance the winger returns to the Rangers next season, but his agent hasn’t spoken with the organization about it yet. It’s more likely he lands somewhere else, but we probably won’t know where that will be for a while.

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