Rangers Beat Writer Talks About Rangers Landing Kane Chances

They did acquire him via trade from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, a fourth-round pick, and defenseman Andy Welinski.

The Rangers also sent the Arizona Coyotes a fifth-round selection in the 2025 draft to help facilitate the trade.

Kane put up 12 points for the Rangers in 19 games. He recorded one goal and five assists in the postseason, as the Rangers lost to the New Jersey Devils in seven games.

Afterwards, he underwent successful hip resurfacing surgery and would miss up to six months while recovering. He has recovered now, and is a free agent.

There are several teams linked into potentially acquiring Kane. The Rangers seem to be the front-runners to land him.

However, beat reporter for the New York Rangers, Mollie Walker, has joined a podcast, hosted by Steven Pappas, writer and host of the podcast, and discusses the likelihood of the Rangers landing Kane.

Spoiler alert, she doesn't think it's high:

Walker does bring up some good points. For one is the salary cap, which we have explained in great lengths in previous articles, the Rangers would have to make significant moves if they would want to outbid other team's for his services.

Another would be the slowing down of progression from their your players like Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière, and if Kane's arrival would hurt their development.

Lastly, he is an injury risk now, he has had multiple hip surgeries in the last couple of years.

Could the Rangers afford to lose some depth to sign him, and if he misses significant time, will they be able to hang on without him?

It's a double edge sword. No doubt, he will be a boost to the one weakness of the Rangers, which is even strength goals. But will the benefits outweigh the risk? I'm not sure.