After much speculation and at least a handful of teams making offers Patrick Kane is reportedly signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings believed to be worth about 2.75 million. The 35-year-old was easily the most appealing option on the free agency market, especially for teams needing to upgrade their top six wingers. Kane is coming off hip surgery less than six months ago and the worst season of his career, so he is a bit of a mystery despite his impressive resume.

Given their improvement so far this year alongside their need at right wing and having former long-time linemate Alex DeBrincat in town, it is easy to see why Detroit was interested in the American. In short, getting a proven offensive producer who managed a 92-point season as recently as 2021-22 for nothing but a relatively small chunk of cap space is an easily defensible move. Yet there is good reason to be skeptical if it will truly move the needle, as Detroit seems more than one move from being a true contender. Yet Kane is a solid bet to improve their powerplay and provide some scoring at the very least.

Taken at face value, the Red Wings signed a right wing who had 57 points last season in 73 games for $2.75 million against their cap. Looking at the players around that output last season who were UFA-eligible, there wasn't one who earned less than $4 million against the cap. Let alone Kane’s impressive resume especially in the postseason and his star status, it is easy to see this deal as a win. Given Kane is a 35-year-old coming off a type of surgery that has yet to produce high-quality results for an NHL player, to the point where one such player literally walked away from the game this season because he was so ineffective; there is.

The Wings are rolling so far but there is room for improvement. Overall, a good landing spot for Kane and a gamble for the Red Wings that's not going to bust a promising season, I'm going to give it a solid B.