Patrick Kane Trade Rumors: Could the Blackhawks star be moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The Chicago Blackhawks are approaching a full roster rebuild with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews likely to be traded before the trade deadline. If both stars are to be moved, it will officially draw an end to an era in Chicago.

Thanks to a core superstar group of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups in 2009-10, 2013-14 and 2014-15. Those victories helped revitalize one of the oldest franchises in NHL history, doubling the club's total championship wins. However, it appears clear to the franchise, as well as the fans, that a retooling of the roster is needed.

"We’re creating a culture where we’re not afraid to ask (questions) and creating dialogue between players and coaches."On this edition of Wiebe's World, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson details his goals for the identity of his team. (@WiebesWorld)" - Sportsnet

While it appears that the team is likely to move on from Kane and Toews, there are some obstacles that the team will need to overcome in order to move both of their modern legends.

Although the veteran forwards are pending unrestricted free agents in the final season of their eight-year contracts, they both have trade clauses in their contracts. This means that any potential trade would need to be approved by each player before it can be executed.

According to reports, Patrick Kane was only willing to waive his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a move to the New York Rangers or the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the Rangers having completed the trade of Vladimir Tarasenko, and if the reports are to be believed, Kane will either remain with Chicago or accept a deal with the Leafs.

"Based on people I've talked to, if Patrick Kane were to accept a trade somewhere, the two teams on his list are the Rangers and the Leafs..." @carlocolaiacovo shared an interesting nugget on First Up this morning regarding Patrick Kane. Should the Leafs be interested in Kane?" - TSN 1050 Toronto

If Kane is able to complete a move to the Toronto Maple Leafs, it would be a revitalizing move for both parties. Kane would provide the Leafs with additional scoring, and while he is no longer the superstar he once was, he should be able to turn the clock back with a new group around him.

If the Blackhawks move Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, it may help them landed their next franchise cornerstone

After an underwhelming season, the Blackhawks find themselves with the second-highest odds of landing the first selection in the 2023 NHL draft. The consensus first-overall pick is potential superstar forward Connor Bedard. If Chicago can land him in the draft, they may be able to supercharge their rebuilding efforts.

Trading Kane and Toews for young talent or picks in future drafts seems like a wise choice for the Blackhawks franchise that is not competing for the Stanley Cup this season.