Odds Patrick Kane Plays For Sabres Next Season

The 2024-2025 season could be when Patrick Kane returns home to play for his childhood team, the Buffalo Sabres. The playoffs are still going on, but the early odds are already out for where Kane ends up next season.

According to Bet Michigan, the Sabres are tied as the fifth-likeliest destination for the future Hall-of-Famer if he doesn’t re-sign with Detroit. Kane is one of four unrestricted free-agent wingers the Red Wings have, along with David Perron, Daniel Sprong, and Christian Fischer.

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Detroit has two core pieces due for significant raises in Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, as both are restricted free agents this offseason. Raymond is coming off a career year, with 31 goals and 72 points in 82 games. Seider logs the most minutes on the team, facing the opponent’s best forwards every night while averaging over a point every two games.

As for Kane, he defied the odds coming off of hip resurfacing, posting 20 goals and 47 points in only 50 games. Only Ed Jovanovski and Nicklas Backstrom have returned from a similar procedure. Neither could muster up the number of games played that Kane did – let alone return to form.

Let’s quickly dive into the odds and why each destination is a fit.

Boston Bruins +800

The Boston Bruins were rumored to be in the running early on for Kane’s services, but their weakness remains in the middle of the ice. They will undoubtedly search for a center or two to complement David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand this offseason.

However, the potential loss of unrestricted free agent Jake DeBrusk could free up a hole and role for Kane to fill.

Colorado Avalanche +850

Many reclamation projects have caught the Colorado Avalanche’s eye lately, with Jonathan Drouin and Zach Parise being the latest examples. Kane will likely come with a heftier price tag now that he has re-established himself as a top-tier scorer so the reclamation value won’t be there.

The Avalanche have a lot of uncertainty surrounding their cap situation. Former Sabres pivotman Casey Mittelstadt is a restricted free agent. Captain Gabriel Landeskog has been skating but missed the last two seasons due to a knee injury. Valeri Nichushkin is suspended for six months after being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL Player Assistance Program.

Based on how these offseason events play out, Kane could be an instant fit in the Avs’ lineup. That is if they can afford him.

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Dallas Stars +1000

While the Dallas Stars are focused on pursuing the Stanley Cup, they have some questions to answer in the offseason. Aging top-six forwards Joe Pavelski and Matt Duchene are slated for free agency. Youngsters Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque are the next generation, but Kane could step in and fill the veteran void.

Florida Panthers +1050

Much of the Florida Panthers’ offseason is centered around how big of a contract Sam Reinhart commands. If Reinhart and center Anton Lundell re-sign, eight of the Panthers’ top-nine forwards will be set. Kane could fill the void if former teammate Vladimir Tarasenko leaves, but it’s tough to see a scoring line and powerplay role for the skilled winger.

New York Rangers +1450

Kane and Tarasenko are former teammates with the New York Rangers, of course. The Rangers have struggled for years to find a right winger to complement Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad on the top line. Kane had a run at the role in a Rangers uniform but mostly played with friend Artemi Panarin instead.

Prospect Brennan Othmann has an offensive mindset and willingness to shoot. Due to this, he can fill the role for much cheaper should the Rangers think he’s ready. If not, perhaps they re-explore the Kane route.

Buffalo Sabres +1450

The Buffalo Sabres have long been rumored to be in the Patrick Kane sweepstakes, and they might be the best value on this list to do so. The +1450 odds imply a 6.5% chance that Kane signs with the Sabres. They have a major advantage based on Buffalo’s cap situation compared to the other six teams listed.

The Sabres have eight of 12 forwards under contract next season. Nine players are under team control with Peyton Krebs set for restricted free agency. On defense, six defensemen are locked up next season with Henri Jokiharju and Jacob Bryson as RFAs.

Buffalo’s system has prospects on the brink of making the NHL roster. With over $23 million in projected cap space per PuckPedia, the Sabres also have the luxury of paying for some veteran talent, like Kane, to give the team an instant jolt.

Kane would immediately improve the offense and slot right into the powerplay on the right flank. Add in the hometown reunion, and now may be as good of a time as ever for a homecoming.

Edmonton Oilers +9000

The Edmonton Oilers are listed on Bet Michigan as a longshot, and rightfully so. The Oilers only have seven forwards under contract next season, with under $10 million in cap space per PuckPedia.

While combining Kane’s skill with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is intriguing, it’ll be nearly impossible to pull off unless Kane signs at a discount.