Though Chicago Blackhawks veteran Patrick Kane hasn't yet informed the team if he'll waive his no-movement clause ahead of the trade deadline, some suitors appear to be taking shape.
The Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights have "confirmed interest" in acquiring the pending unrestricted free agent's services, reports The Athletic's Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus.
All four of those teams are currently in a playoff spot.
Kane, 34, is in the final season of an eight-year pact with an average annual value of $10.5 million. Though he potted just nine goals and 26 assists in 48 games for the struggling Blackhawks this campaign, the three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is one of the top names that may be available come March 3.
The Hurricanes sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a 34-10-8 record but could bolster their roster with an impact forward after losing Max Pacioretty to another Achilles tear in January.
Dallas leads the Western Conference after going 30-14-10. The Stars were in the market for a top-six forward to play with Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment, according to a report from TSN's Darren Dreger in late November.
Minnesota, meanwhile, occupies the second wild-card spot in the West with a record of 28-20-4. The Wild could use more firepower up front, having lost Kevin Fiala last summer because of the pricey contract buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Minnesota has only scored 153 goals this season, tied for the eighth-least in the league.
Finally, the Golden Knights have a gaping hole in their lineup after losing captain Mark Stone indefinitely to another back surgery. Vegas holds the top spot in the Pacific Division with a 32-18-4 record, but the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken are all three points behind.
Kane admitted Friday that he was "definitely looking at" the New York Rangers before they acquired Vladimir Tarasenko.
New York was reportedly wary about Kane's hip injury, per ESPN's Emily Kaplan, but he said those concerns were overblown.
Kane ranks third all time in Blackhawks history with 1,155 games played and 439 goals while ranking second with 1,215 points.
