It’s finally happened.
Following reports from earlier in the day, the Chicago Blackhawks made it official on Tuesday evening, sending Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers for a conditional 2023 second-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick and defenseman Andy Welinski. Defenseman Cooper Zech, who’s played 13 games for the IceHogs this season, also went to the Rangers in the trade.
We have traded Patrick Kane for a conditional 2023 second round pick, a 2025 fourth round pick and defenseman Andy Welinski from the New York Rangers.
We’ve also acquired defenseman Vili Saarijarvi from Arizona as part of the trade. pic.twitter.com/5px44LHOvE
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 1, 2023
Chicago also added defenseman Vili Saarijarvi from the Arizona Coyotes in the deal, with the Coyotes serving as the third-team broker to help make the financials of the deal work.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan provided the conditions which would make that 2023 second-rounder into a first-rounder (but not in 2023):
The Rangers are acquiring Patrick Kane for a 2023 conditional second pick and 2023 fourth-round pick.
Per sources, the conditions of second round pick: turns into a first IF the Rangers make the Conference Finals. However that first round pick would be in either 2024 or 2025.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) February 28, 2023
Kaplan also reported that the Arizona Coyotes are the third team involved, helping broker the deal by retaining 50 percent of Kane’s salary. This report also assumes that Kane has agreed to waive his no-movement clause, something that’s been widely speculated but never formally reported. Based on how often Seravalli and Kaplan have been breaking hockey news for the last few seasons, though, this report can pretty much be taken to the bank: Patrick Kane is no longer a member of the Blackhawks.
And there it all goes.
After 1,161 regular season games, 136 postseason games, 446 goals, 779 assists, 1,225 points, the 2007-08 Calder Trophy, the 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy, the 2015-16 Hart, Art Ross and Pearson Trophies, four all-star selections and three Stanley Cup championships: Kane leaves the only professional hockey franchise he’s known for a couple of draft picks.
[EVENING UPDATE] After confirming the trade in the evening, a round of statements were released by the Blackhawks, starting with one from the man himself:
From Kaner ❤️: pic.twitter.com/0yQQswMWAd
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 1, 2023
A statement from CEO Danny Wirtz:
“The contributions Patrick Kane has made to the Blackhawks organization and city of Chicago will never be forgotten. While today marks the end of an era for the team, he will forever be a part of the Blackhawks family. Three Stanley Cups, over 1,000 games, more than 1,200 points, over 400 goals and countless awards are just part of the legacy he leaves here—one of the greatest Blackhawks players in club history. On behalf of Rocky, and my entire family, we wish Patrick, Amanda, Patrick III, and the rest of his family all the best with the New York Rangers and we thank him for the countless joyful memories.
As we close Patrick’s chapter in club history, we look forward to what will be another exciting era. We have full faith and trust in Kyle Davidson and his team to showcase their future vision for this team. We share this continued journey with our loyal fans and forever appreciate their support.”
A statement from general manager Kyle Davidson:
“Patrick Kane leaves the Blackhawks with a legacy that will be hard to match. We all love Patrick and the memories he provided our fans and our organization for 16 seasons. He and his representatives were great to work through during this process—I really appreciate the exemplary open communication we had—and we wish him well with the New York Rangers. I knew from day one of taking this job that there would be some tough days and today was one of the toughest.
Our goal from day one is to achieve sustained success throughout all levels of the organization and that goal remains. I appreciate the continued support of team leadership and I look forward to leading the Blackhawks into this next era on the ice.”
The addition of Welinski and Saarijarvi to the trade package was a late update, although neither player seems like any significant piece. Saarijarvi, 25, has been playing in Europe for the last 2.5 hockey seasons and has not played in an NHL game yet. Welinski is a little closer to home, having played in 46 NHL career games — although none this season. All 40 hockey games he’s played this season were with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, where Welinski had 16 points (4 G, 12 A). The 29-year-old defenseman was a third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2011 NHL Draft.
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