Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane and Sam Lafferty scratched Saturday versus Sharks

Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane will not play tonight versus the San Jose Sharks due to roster management reasons.

Kane has been the subject of trade rumors and we look to be getting closer to the finale. The 34-year-old has tallied 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 54 games this season. The pending unrestricted free agent has found himself listed as No. 2 on Frank Seravalli’s Trade Targets board here on Daily Faceoff. Seravalli had previously listed the New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars among potential landing spots for Kane, though most indications suggest the Rangers are the frontrunner now. The lifelong Blackhawk has won three Stanley Cups, a Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and an Art Ross Trophy throughout his illustrious career. Kane recently became just the second Blackhawk in Franchise history to reach the 1,200-point milestone, joining legend Stan Mikita. Kane has registered 446 goals, and 779 assists for 1,225 points in 1,161 games in a Blackhawks jersey. Here is Patrick Kane’s Trade Deadline player profile.

Kane’s agent Pat Brisson made a statement regarding the reason for not playing: “Based on the current status of Patrick’s situation, we collectively felt it was more appropriate to have not play during this period of reflection.”

Additionally, Blackhawks forward Sam Lafferty will also not be playing tonight versus the Sharks for trade-related reasons. The 27-year-old has 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 51 games this season and he currently ranks tied for first league-wide with four short-handed goals. 

Lafferty is ranked No.9 on Seravalli’s recent Trade Targets board and could be a deadline-day diamond in the rough for a contending team. Seravalli lists the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins as potential suitors. Lafferty has recorded 21 goals, and 32 assists for 53 points in 191 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins. Here is Sam Lafferty’s Trade Deadline player profile.