3 Big-Name Free Agents That the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Pursue, 2 to Avoid

2 Big-Name Free Agents to Avoid

Patrick Kane 

Perhaps the biggest name on paper in the upcoming free agent market, Patrick Kane certainly ranks up there as possibly one of the best of all-time.

The former three-time Stanley Cup champion, Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner has proven time and time again that despite his size, he played like the heart of a giant when it came to hockey.

Ranked third all-time among Americans in career points in the NHL behind only Mike Modano and Brett Hull, Kane has the distinguished opportunity to become the best American of all-time if he can end up putting together a couple more productive seasons before his eventual retirement.

However, Kane has been plagued by injuries during his past two seasons that has limited his overall effectiveness.

He still managed to produce close to a point-a-game pace, but his explosiveness and shifty moves are becoming less prominent as he continues to put more mileage in his body. Last season, Kane tallied 20 goals in 50 games for the Detroit Red Wings, but the team fell just short of the playoffs at season’s end, making it the fifth time in his past seven seasons that he had failed to be a part of a Stanley Cup run.

At aged 35, Kane will not be getting any younger, as his game may continue to regress and slow down even more.

Added to the fact with his recent hip troubles and being more prone to injuries, the Leafs should not risk gambling on the superstar in any sort of contract, even if it is just for one season, as it could potentially backfire big time.

There’s still a good chance that Kane will end up passing Modano and Hull on the all-time scoring list for Americans, but it won’t be in a Leafs uniform.