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Patrick Kane addresses position clash with Detroit Red Wings' $9.5 million Stanley Cup winner free agency pickup
Three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane has spoken about a potential clash in positions within the Detroit Red Wings lineup alongside two-time Stanley Cup champ Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko, who won his second Cup with the Florida Panthers after beating the Edmonton Oilers last month, signed with the Red Wings in free agency. Detroit and Tarasenko agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million deal earlier this month.
When Tarasenko was exploring his options as a free agent this offseason, one of the players he reached out to was the Red Wings forward. Despite being rivals for most of their careers, the two briefly played together with the New York Rangers last season.
Now united with the Red Wings, the prospect of sharing the same line, an opportunity they missed out on with the Rangers, holds great appeal for both players. Tarasenko expressed his excitement about the possibility of playing alongside Kane (via NHL.com):
"It would be amazing," Tarasenko said. "We played against each other for so many years, and if somebody told me at that time we would play together as a line, I would be like, 'There is no way.'"
Kane, acknowledging their position as natural right-wingers, sees the situation as a good fit despite the positional adjustment that might be required:
"I think it would be a good fit. I know we both are natural right wingers, kind of left-handed shots playing the off side, but I think when you're playing hockey it doesn't really matter what position you're in. So one of us would have to make a move, but I think it would be a good fit," Kane said.
Both players are open to the idea of making the necessary moves to create a successful partnership on the ice.
Patrick Kane on returning to Detroit
Patrick Kane joined the Detroit Red Wings in November last year after recovering from hip surgery. He accumulated 47 points and 27 goals during his debut season in Motor City.
Just a day before the NHL free agency on July 1 began, the Red Wings extended Kane to a one-year, $4 million deal. He subsequently shared his heartfelt sentiments about his decision to join Detroit, emphasizing his deep connection to the city and team (via NHL.com):
"For me, my heart was set on coming to Detroit and being back in Detroit," he said. "I thought it was a good fit last year. Love the team. We were really comfortable living there."
The Red Wings finished with 91 points last season, coming in fifth place in the Atlantic Division standings at the end of the regular season.
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