Atlantic Division rival targeting Patrick Kane ahead of the trade deadline

I think, at this point, everyone knows that 3-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane is going to be on the move at this year's deadline. The two main questions that everyone has are, "where will he end up?" and "what will the cost to acquire him be?".

Kane has been linked to a number of teams dating back to the summer and all the way through the first half of this season. Some of the possible destinations named were Edmonton, Colorado, New York and, yes, even Toronto. However, it would appear as though another Atlantic Division team may be preparing to take a good, hard run at Kane ahead of this year's trade deadline.

Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Boston Bruins could be preparing a push for Kane's services, and as well they should. Currently the NHL's top team, the Bruins will be competing for their second Stanley Cup in the last 50 years.

The Bruins will want to make as big of an acquisition as they possibly can this year to improve their chances and maximize the potential of this run, as it is very likely one of the last runs for aging veterans like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Kane would certainly be a massive addition and there would be some incentive for him to waive his NMC for a move to Boston, as it also gives him a very good chance at winning the fourth Stanley Cup of his already impressive, Hall of Fame worthy career.


Another reason for the Bruins to be interested in adding a player of Kane's undeniable skill level is that the Atlantic Division is arguably the most top-heavy Division in the NHL. It's a killer's row of solid teams. If Boston wants to make it out of the East, they may have to go through at least 2 of Tampa, Toronto and possibly Florida, if they can find their stride in the second half and finish strong. There's also the likes of New Jersey, Carolina, New York and Washington in the Eastern Conference to get through before the Stanley Cup Finals even begin.

One thing is for sure. If the Bruins go out and get Patrick Kane, the Leafs will undoubtedly have to go out and add a big fish of their own to ensure that they're in the best position possible to compete with the likes of Boston and the abovementioned teams in the East.