Why Patrick Kane Decided Not To Sign With The Rangers

Despite all the rumors of a potential reunion between the New York Rangers and Patrick Kane, it didn’t end up happening.

Kane signed a one-year, $4 million contract to remain with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Rangers were reportedly focused and determined to sign Kane yet he chose to re-sign with the Red Wings.

Why didn’t he decide to come back to the bright lights of New York City? The answer is quite simple.

“There was interest in teams like Buffalo, his hometown Sabres, the Rangers where he played before, Montreal if it was a short term deal, among other teams, lots of interest in Patrick Kane,” TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said . “I think with Detroit at the end of the day, he really enjoyed it there and he needed to really find a reason to have to leave.”

After recovering from hip surgery, the 35-year-old joined Detroit and recorded 20 goals, 27 assists and 47 points in 50 games.

Kane really thrived and seemed to be comfortable with the Red Wings, especially playing alongside Alex DeBrincat.

Lebrun also said that Kane was looking for more term on his contract and it’s safe to assume that the Rangers weren't willing to risk giving Kane more than one year based on the clear fact that he opted not to sign with the Blueshirts.

The Rangers instead decided to trade for veteran forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as signing center Sam Carrick.