The Detroit Red Wings have been active so far this offseason. However, the biggest question around them heading into NHL Free Agency remains unanswered. Future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane looks likely to hit the open market when it opens on July 1. His future in Detroit is up in the air, but if he leaves, he could head back to the New York Rangers.

The Rangers are “very interested” in a reunion with Kane in NHL Free Agency, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post. Brooks notes that New York is interested in a few top-of-the-market free agents. However, the team's focus is on Kane after his successful stint with the Red Wings in 2023-24.

“It is our best information that the Blueshirts have their eyes trained on a reunion with Kane, whose 19-game cameo following the 2023 deadline, when he was compromised because of hip issues, left everyone wanting more,” Brooks wrote, via the New York Post.

Patrick Kane joined Red Wings after Rangers stint

Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates center Dylan Larkin (not pictured) goal during the second period against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Kane spent most of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks until February 2023. The rebuilding Blackhawks traded Kane to the Rangers. The veteran winger played 19 regular season games with the Blueshirts, scoring 12 points. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added one goal and six points in seven games against the New Jersey Devils.

In the offseason, Kane hit NHL Free Agency. However, he elected not to sign with another team due to a hip injury. He underwent hip resurfacing surgery and rehabbed through the entire summer. The veteran winger waited until November to join a new team. Then, Kane signed a contract with the Red Wings.

The move to Detroit reunited him with former Blackhawks star Alex DeBrincat. And Kane instantly made an impact with Detroit. He flashed the playmaking ability that helped him win three Stanley Cups in the mid-2010s. The future Hall of Famer immediately became one of the best offensive forces on the Red Wings.

In the end, his play was not enough to help Detroit make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But he showed that he could still produce in the NHL at a very high level. Kane ended the 2023-24 NHL season with 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games.

Whether Patrick Kane hits NHL Free Agency remains to be seen. However, if he does leave the Red Wings, the Rangers are certainly a great fit. Perhaps Kane is the missing piece that can help the Blueshirts make the Stanley Cup Final in 2025.