The speculation surrounding Patrick Kane ahead of 2026 free agency has picked up considerably, especially after reports surfaced that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade following another disappointing finish that left the team outside the playoff picture.
With uncertainty now hanging over Detroit’s future, Kane is already being linked to a surprising Central Division contender.
Patrick Kane Emerging as an Option for Minnesota Wild
Kane, 37, has completed the one-year, $3 million deal he signed with the Red Wings last summer. After proving he can still produce at a high level with 57 points in 67 games, it’s no surprise that several contenders are monitoring his situation closely.
According to NHL insider Michael Russo, the Central Division’s Minnesota Wild could have a unique path to fitting Patrick Kane under the salary cap.
“Like (Mats) Zuccarello, Kane would be allowed to sign a 35-plus contract,” Russo explained. “That means that the 37-year-old could sign for an inexpensive base salary, say, $2 million, and also be eligible to receive performance bonuses. Those bonuses would count against the 2027-28 cap if they push the Wild over the 2026-27 cap.”
Russo pointed to Kane’s most recent contract in Detroit as an example. While only his $3 million base salary counted against the Red Wings’ cap during the season, he ultimately earned another $3 million through performance bonuses. Those bonuses either had to be absorbed with available cap space or pushed forward as a future cap charge.
“This would be a useful mechanism to afford Kane now, but it would need to be exercised with caution. That’s because the Wild will be so tight against the cap ceiling next season that they’d almost certainly have bonus overages the following season if they signed a player or two to 35-plus contracts this season and they hit their bonuses,” Russo added.
Still, Russo believes the fit makes plenty of sense if veteran winger Mats Zuccarello does not return.
Patrick Kane remains a dangerous power-play weapon and could slide directly into Zuccarello’s role on Minnesota’s top unit. He could also replace Vladimir Tarasenko on the second power-play group, giving the Wild a different offensive look.
Minnesota isn’t the only team being discussed as a possible landing spot, though.
Buffalo has also surfaced as a potential destination, with Kane viewed as a possible replacement for Alex Tuch should the Sabres need additional veteran scoring and leadership.
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Kane has repeatedly said he’d like to stay in Detroit, where he enjoyed playing alongside Alex DeBrincat. But if Larkin’s trade request sparks major roster changes, Kane may reconsider.
At 37, he’s expected to prioritize joining a legitimate Stanley Cup contender over enduring another cloudy year of the Yzerplan.
