Patrick Kane is putting the Blackhawks in an awkward position

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Dorin Canaday
February 22, 2023 (9:59 PM)

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The hockey world is still waiting for the one of the biggest blockbusters yet to happen, and that being a possible deal involving veteran Patrick Kane.

Kane previously had two teams he was willing to be moved to, the Maple Leafs and Rangers. However, both clubs already made their splash by acquiring Ryan O'Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko respectively.

Now, Kane has a big decision to make, and his Full No-Movement Clause gives him all the leverage in the situation. But as TSN's Pierre LeBrun has reported, it leaves Chicago GM Kyle Davidson in an awkward position.

LeBrun shared the following information on Insider Trading regarding Kane, which was relayed by Ben Pope of Chicago Sun Times on Twitter:

�'Pierre LeBrun reports Kane, IF he decides to be traded, will give the Blackhawks just ONE team to talk to. If that doesn't work out, he might then give another team, but it will supposedly be one at a time.''

�'That creates a negotiating conundrum...''

�'The Hawks will have absolutely zero leverage in that case. The chosen team will know Davidson will feel obligated to fulfill Kane's wishes and also know no other teams can bid the price up. There will be nothing stopping them from doing some major lowballing.''

�'This situation has been compared to Claude Giroux, who told PHI last year he wanted to go to FLA only. They eventually got a 1st+3rd+prospect back.''

�'I'd be shocked if the Hawks end up getting anything close to that much for Kane. They'll be in a very tough spot.''

Basically, the Blackhawks can only work on one deal at a time, giving them zero leverage.