NHL trade rumor: Detroit Red Wings linked with former Seattle Kraken winger as potential Patrick Kane replacement
The Detroit Red Wings could turn to the free agent market to fill the void left by veteran forward Patrick Kane, with former Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen as the emerging potential target. According to a report by Heavy’s Jonathan Vankin, Tolvanen is viewed as a strong fit for Detroit after he became one of the top remaining unrestricted free agents.
The 27-year-old winger is coming off another productive season with the Kraken and could provide scoring depth the Red Wings need if Kane departs in free agency. The three-time Stanley Cup champion spent three seasons in Detroit and reportedly is expected to sign with his hometown Buffalo Sabres if the contract talks with the Red Wings don’t produce an agreement, according to reports.Former Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen linked with the Detroit Red Wings as a potential replacement for Patrick KaneFormer Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen was linked with the Detroit Red Wings as a potential replacement for veteran forward Patrick Kane.
As per reports, the Detroit Red Wings tried to convince Kane to stay by offering him a contract. But it seems he has moved on past the team and decided to sign with a fourth NHL franchise. The reason why Tolvanen is linked is due to his unmatched skill and relatively good playmaking skills, which made him an intriguing bet for the Red Wings.
He was considered a reliable forward since joining Seattle until he claimed off waivers from the Nashville Predators in 2022. His two-way play and powerful shot have also contributed to his rise to prominence, enabling him to be a consistent scoring threat and contribute to special teams. The NHL has reported that Eeli Tolvanen has 12 goals, 24 assists, and 36 points in 78 games played during the 2025-26 season.
Additionally, his worth-mentioning achievements include Team Finland winning bronze at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and representing his country at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where he had nine points (three goals, six assists) and was named to the Olympic All-Star team.The possible reason to opt for Tolvanen is factors like a combination of age, offensive upside, and projected contract value, which make him an appealing option for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman.
With his talent, the Finnish professional player could offer Detroit a longer-term solution as a winger.Earlier, there were indications that the Detroit Red Wings had tried to convince the veteran forward by offering him a contract with the team. Unfortunately, it appears that he has decided to move on and is likely to sign his fourth NHL franchise with the Buffalo Sabres.
It is to be noted that the Buffalo Sabres are his hometown club.Meanwhile, Kane is also widely expected to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible. Despite his age, he is still an effective player and can strengthen a team's power play with his playmaking ability.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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