‘I Can’t Get My Mind Off Him’ — Former Toronto Forward Calls on Maple Leafs To Move Quickly For Future Hall of Famer
· Yahoo Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been busy reshaping their roster, but one question continues to hover over the lineup as the offseason rolls on. Even after several additions, there is still a growing belief that the team is missing one proven difference-maker capable of elevating its top line.
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With elite talent still sitting on the open market, the window to make a bold move remains open. One former Maple Leafs forward now believes Toronto should waste no time before another contender steps in.
Jay Rosehill Says Patrick Kane Is the Top-Line Upgrade Toronto Still Needs
Former Maple Leafs forward and NHL analyst Jay Rosehill believes Toronto should make a serious push for unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane, arguing that the future Hall of Famer remains the best player available to strengthen the team’s top-six forward group.
Speaking on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga, Rosehill admitted he has not been able to move past the idea of Kane wearing a Maple Leafs sweater. “I can’t get my mind off Patrick Kane,” he said, pointing to the veteran’s ability to continue producing at a high level despite entering the later stages of his career.
Rosehill believes Kane’s offensive toolkit is exactly what Toronto should be looking for instead of settling for internal options. “For a guy who still puts up 50, 60, 70 points, his skill set, where his strengths lie, right-handed shot,” he said.
Kane backed up that reputation last season by recording 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings, proving he can still drive offense in a top-six role.
The conversation then shifted to Toronto’s projected lineup, where Jack Roslovic has been viewed by some as a possible top-line right winger.
Rosehill questioned whether that should be the long-term plan. “Some people have Jack Roslovic up there on the top line,” he said before asking, “Would you feel better with Kane there, even though he’s a little bit older?”
Rosehill also addressed another veteran who had been linked to Toronto earlier in the offseason.
“The Claude Giroux thing came and went, and that’s fine,” he said, suggesting Giroux was always more likely to remain in a familiar situation.
Even as that possibility faded with Giroux signing a 1-year, $2,000,000 contract with Ottawa, Rosehill’s attention stayed fixed on one player. “I’m kind of glad that came and went, but I can’t get Patrick Kane off my mind.”
Unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesKane remains one of the most accomplished players still available in free agency. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, former Hart Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy recipient, Art Ross Trophy winner, Calder Trophy winner, and future Hall of Famer, he also remains an effective offensive producer despite turning 37.
Toronto, however, is not expected to have a clear path if it decides to pursue him. Detroit reportedly pushed to keep Kane, while both the Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks have emerged as potential landing spots.
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Even with multiple teams in the mix, Rosehill’s message was unmistakable: if the Maple Leafs want another proven game-breaker on the wing, they should move before one of free agency’s biggest names is no longer available.