Major Development Surfaces in Patrick Kane's Departure From The Detroit Red Wings

Mitchell suggested that the Edmonton Oilers are interested. Kane's scoring and playmaking could be tough to pass up for Edmonton if Detroit decides give showtime a change of scenery, and a guaranteed playoff spot.

Edmonton's already one of the older teams in the league, and Kane, at 36, isn't young by any means.

The Oilers have been trying hard to find a steady winger to play with Leon Draisaitl. Mitchell says Kane isn't the same kind of player as Evander Kane-totally different styles, but in a much better way, Kane's 'showtime' presence could compliment Draisaitl in a much better way.

After the 4 Nations break was completed, head coach Todd McLellan made a move, as discussed yesterday. Red Wings' recent demotion to Patrick Kane

Kris Knoblauch, who likes fast players next to Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, signals that Kane would certainly be an update as he's quite faster than the aging Corey Perry, who is currently playing alongside Draisaitl.

Kane's regular five-on-five stats aren't jaw-dropping by any means-about 2.77 points per 60 minutes when he's with Detroit's Andrew Copp for 260 minutes. Not amazing. But put him with McDavid or Draisaitl? That could heat up quick.

Showtimes power-play game is strong: 3.15 goals and 7.21 points per 60 minutes, some of the best numbers on the NHL and he could provide reinforcement on their second power-play unit, taking pressure off of McDavid and Draisaitl on the Oilers' first.

Mitchell notes that Kane has a no-trade clause, so he gets to decide where he goes.

Kane's a fun idea if Detroit retains some of his salary and the price is low. But the Oilers got bigger fish to fry-like a strong defenseman who can play both ways or some toughness in the bottom six. If the Red Wings are moving on and it's a steal, sure, why not. But at the moment, with the Red Wings battling for a playoff spot, it is not smart on Steve Yzerman to be shopping the longtime veteran.