​Now nearly two weeks removed from NHL free agency commencing on July 1, the vast majority of prominent names to test the market as unrestricted free agents have signed contracts with new clubs at this point.Only a few notable players remain available, such as winger Anthony Mantha and defenseman Logan Stanley, while aging veterans well past their prime mostly fill up the market. Among that group are winger Vladimir Tarasenko, defenseman John Klingberg, goaltender Cam Talbot… and three-time former Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKane, who turns 38 in November, has spent the last three seasons playing for the Detroit Red Wings, most recently recording 57 points (16G, 41A) in 67 games in 2025-26. “Showtime” signed a one-year contract in each of the past two summers to remain with the Red Wings, and it seemed somewhat likely that he’d do it again as a UFA in 2026. Kane was outspoken about his desire to return to Detroit during his exit interview in April, despite the team missing the playoffs because of another late-season collapse.However, the two sides have yet to reach an extension, and the writing appears to be on the wall for Kane to depart the Motor City. Dylan Larkin’s trade request hanging over the team like a dark cloud figures to have only made Kane less enthused about coming back for 2026-27.With Kane presumably seeking a new home for next season, there has been plenty of chatter recently surrounding a potential homecoming with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team he’ll be remembered playing for when hockey fans reflect upon his Hall of Fame career.Over the weekend, Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus from The Athletic weighed in on Kane possibly rejoining the Blackhawks, while Matthew Fairburn made a case for him to sign with his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdditionally, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL insider Frank Seravalli have added to the speculation by suggesting a reunion with the Blackhawks isn’t out of the cards. There hasn’t been any official confirmation that general manager Kyle Davidson and Kane have even discussed such an idea, but that hasn’t stopped fans from running rampid over the possibility.We’re talking about arguably the most impactful player in Blackhawks’ franchise history, and a Mount Rushmore level Chicago sports icon. It’s understandable that these rumors would get everyone excited, especially with the recent devastating news regarding superstar Connor Bedard undergoing shoulder surgery.With Kane and the Blackhawks possibly considering a reunion, let’s dive into a case for both sides of the coin. Why the Blackhawks should sign Kane, and why they shouldn’t.As Powers and Lazarus mentioned in their column, bringing Kane back certainly wouldn’t hurt jersey or ticket sales, not that the Blackhawks are desperate for either. Even with the on-ice struggles over the past decade, attendance at the United C