NHL rumors: Insider links Patrick Kane to Sabres if Alex Tuch doesn’t re-sign

Although there’s still time for the Buffalo Sabres and star forward Alex Tuch to find common ground on a new contract, multiple reports have stated that the veteran will be testing the free agent market on July 1.

If that does come to pass, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen will be losing a key piece of the roster — but he’ll also have some cap flexibility to pursue a replacement for the three-time 30-goal scorer.

Enter Patrick Kane, who was born in Buffalo and also currently doesn’t have a new contract. While there’s a possibility he re-signs with the Detroit Red Wings, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta wonders if a reunion with his hometown team could be a possibility.

“We’ve wondered what Dylan Larkin’s trade request mean for Alex DeBrincat, who is entering the final year of his contract in Detroit. But we’ve not asked what Larkin’s request means for Patrick Kane, who will become a UFA July 1 and wants to keep playing,” the hockey insider reported on Thursday.

“Could he be an Alex Tuch replacement in Buffalo?”

Kane has spent the last three seasons with the Red Wings, and although the 37-year-old has not yet announced his plans, he has made it clear that he intends to continue playing.

Despite being in the latter stages of his career, the future Hall of Famer remained productive in 2025-26, recording 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games for the Wings. His offensive creativity and power-play ability continue to make him an attractive option for teams looking for veteran scoring.

Of course, the hometown connection could also be enticing to the three-time Stanley Cup champion, who was linked to the Sabres a couple of years ago before eventually landing in Detroit.

At this point, there is no indication that Buffalo is actively pursuing Kane. However, if the chasm between Tuch and the front office cannot be overcome, the veteran winger could emerge as a fascinating option for a franchise looking to take the next step after returning to the playoffs this past season.

The Sabres came within a single victory of an Eastern Conference Final appearance, losing to the Montreal Canadiens in a heartbreaking Game 7 on home ice.

With free agency less than two weeks away and a notoriously thin class available this summer, Kane’s next destination is one of the more intriguing storylines to watch around the NHL this summer.

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