Rangers Win the Kane Sweepstakes
In a major trade that had been speculated for some time, the New York Rangers have acquired forward Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks. The trade involved a third team, the Arizona Coyotes, as the Rangers had to navigate salary cap constraints to make the move. The Coyotes received a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for agreeing to retain a portion of Kane's contract, while the Blackhawks acquired defenseman Vili Saarijarvi from Arizona. The Rangers gave up prospect Andy Welinski, a conditional second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to acquire Kane from the Blackhawks. The framework of the trade had reportedly been in place for several days before it was finalized, with Rangers general manager Chris Drury having to make a series of moves to make the deal work under the salary cap. The addition of Kane is a major move for the Rangers, who are looking to contend for the Stanley Cup this season. Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league and should provide a significant boost to the Rangers' scoring depth. He will also reunite with former Blackhawks teammate Artemi Panarin, with whom he had great chemistry during their time together in Chicago. Despite the excitement surrounding the trade, Kane will not be available to make his Rangers debut until Thursday's home game against the Ottawa Senators. The delay is due to logistical reasons, as Kane needs time to travel and prepare for his new team. The trade is a major coup for Drury, who has now acquired two elite forwards in a short period of time, having previously traded for Vladimir Tarasenko. Drury was able to make the moves without sacrificing any key players from the Rangers' current roster or mortgaging the team's future through draft picks or prospects. Kane's departure from Chicago marks the end of an era for the Blackhawks, as he was one of the most beloved and accomplished players in franchise history. The trade is a significant move for both the Rangers and Blackhawks, and it will be interesting to see how Kane performs in his new home. The Rangers are hoping that he can help push them over the top and bring a Stanley Cup to New York for the first time in nearly 30 years.
We have traded Patrick Kane for a conditional 2023 second round pick, a 2025 fourth round pick and defenseman Andy Welinski from the New York Rangers.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 1, 2023
We’ve also acquired defenseman Vili Saarijarvi from Arizona as part of the trade. pic.twitter.com/5px44LHOvE