While on The Jeff Marek Show, Elliotte Friedman reported that the New York Rangers are one of the teams who have called the Chicago Blackhawks about the availability of Patrick Kane. However, he also noted that any move involving the superstar forward would not occur until the summer. The team is planning to have a conversation with him about his future with the organization during the offseason. This is a necessity before any potential move because he has a full no-movement clause (NMC). Yet, if the 33-year-old does inform them that he doesn’t want to be a part of their rebuild, the Rangers could be an ideal destination for both parties.

 

When looking at how excellent of a player Kane still is, it would cost the Rangers a lot in a blockbuster. At a minimum, they would have to give up a first-round pick, at least one top prospect, and a young, NHL-ready player. Although that is a high asking price, the Rangers can certainly pay it. Furthermore, acquiring the Buffalo native would make it entirely worth it if it meant winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. Let’s look at some players the Blackhawks could be interested in.

 

Vitali Kravtsov

Vitali Kravtsov has been in the rumor mill since he refused to report to the Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack at the beginning of this season. Seeing as how he plays right wing just like Kane, he could be the prospect who intrigues the Blackhawks most in a hypothetical move. He is viewed as having top-six potential and could very well be ready to be a full-time NHL player next season.

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Kravtsov is currently playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). It’s been a strong season for the 22-year-old winger, as he has six goals and seven assists in 19 contests. This is a noticeable improvement from just last season, as he recorded 24 points but in 49 games with the team. When remembering that he also wants to move on from the Rangers, they would likely be willing to trade him if it results in them getting a superstar like Kane.

 

Braden Schneider

Braden Schneider is another prospect who certainly would be a great addition to the Blackhawks’ rebuild. The 20-year-old has gotten his first taste of NHL action this season and hasn’t looked out of place at all.