​Maple Leafs, Sabres both want 1400-point free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Patrick Kane is the most accomplished player remaining in NHL free agency.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe isn’t expected to return to the Detroit Red Wings, which opens the door for him to join a number of other teams.The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported over the weekend that Kane could consider a return to the Chicago Blackhawks.But if Kane goes somewhere new, Pagnotta names two possibilities: the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.Pagnotta specifically uses the word “linked” to describe the connection in this free agent period between Kane and those two teams.MORE:How a 3-team Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson trade could workSo no, it doesn’t sound like it’s a done deal. But there’s been other speculation about Toronto and Buffalo as landing spots as well, so it’s possible.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKane is originally from Buffalo, so that’s why the Sabres would make a lot of sense.The Maple Leafs are looking for a quick bounceback season after a rough 2025-26 campaign, and Kane would help them do that.The right winger will turn 38 years old in November, and he’s coming off a season with 16 goals and 41 assists (57 points) in 67 games.In his career, Kane has put up 1,400 points in 1,369 NHL games, which includes 508 goals and 892 assists.He still has some of the best stick skills in the NHL, and he’d be welcome on the ice for both the Maple Leafs and Sabres. His name is one to continue watching.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7-foot-1 draft pick is impossibly tallCale Makar is about to become a lot more expensiveSidney Crosby trade plans did a 180 for the PenguinsIt’s time to ask a serious Matthew Knies questionOilers’ Frederik Andersen signing is a massive bargain