Matt Dumba and Others the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Still Target

No. 2: Patrick Kane

Money is obviously a huge factor when you choose your next destination as a professional athlete, but when you’ve already made $115M in career earnings, wouldn’t you be fine with taking a pay-cut to win?

Kane was a big disappointment last year when he was traded to the New York Rangers, but he was clearly injured.

After the season, Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery, which could keep him out for up to six months.

As a result, whoever signs Kane, may not see him in the line-up until November/December.

Even at this stage in Kane’s career, you can expect him to be near a point-per-game player, so every team should jump at signing him.

The Buffalo, NY native seems like he wants to play close to home and besides Buffalo itself, there’s no closer option than Toronto.

I know there’s a boarder in-between, but he’s only a 1.5 hour drive from Buffalo if he signed in Toronto. Not only that, but he’d have arguably the best chance at winning if he joined the Leafs as well.

Kane’s younger than Joe Thornton when he made the leap to Toronto, but Kane should consider a cheap one-year option like he did to try to win a championship with the Leafs. He’d get to play alongside some of the best players in the world, while staying close to home, so it’s a win-win for him.