Three reasons why Patrick Kane does not want to join the New York Islanders

Chicago Blackhawks alternate captain Patrick Kane is fully in the trade market. Despite his career-low season thus far, there’s no reason why the future NHL Hall of Famer won’t be able to turn it back on with a change of scenery outside of Chicago.

Kane’s current deal includes a no-trade clause, meaning he will have the final say on where he goes if Kane intends not to re-sign with the Hawks, which he’s guaranteed not to, then the Hawks will need to make a deal to get something out of the massive contract.

Patrick Kane has stated that his two favorite destinations are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. However, why hasn’t he mentioned the other Big Apple teams, like the New York Islanders or the New Jersey Devils?

Kane recently confirmed that he had "no interest" in going to Long Island and wearing the blue and orange, but why?

Note: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

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Patrick Kane is not interested in playing for the New York Islanders; here's why

#1 They’re not in the best position for the player

Chicago Blackhawks v Philadelphia Flyers

The most straightforward reason is that the New York Islanders have not been very good this season. Kane wants to go to a team where he can make one last crack at a Stanley Cup run, not a team where he will be just one cog in a retooling.

The Islanders made the deal for Bo Horvat as a move for the future. Trading Patrick Kane would be them making a move for this season, and that’s probably not the wisest choice for both the team and the player.

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#2 The brand of hockey

Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders

Patrick Kane is a puck-control machine who loves the offensive side of the game and playing hero ball. The New York Islanders don’t play that way.

For years under Barry Trotz and now under coach Lane Lambert, the Islanders have relied on a logging style of hockey that values defense and puck possession over offensive skill. Patrick Kane might fall asleep.

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#3 They’re old enough

New York Rangers v New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are currently at a crossroads. They have a roster with some of the best prime talent in the NHL and some of the biggest talent-less, older anchors who are holes in their lineup. Kane, who turns 35 in November, wouldn’t fit the Islanders' roster as another oldie on the block.

With Zach Parise, Kyle Palmieri and Matt Martin making up a core of players who will be out of the building within the next year and a half, the Islanders don’t need another lineup filler as they aggressively retool behind Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat and Brock Nelson.