The Chicago Blackhawks were reportedly planning to move superstar Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers at some point this year, according to rumours that have persisted for practically the entire season.
The St. Louis Blues' star Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Niko Mikkola were acquired by the New York Rangers Thursday, in return for a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and forwards Sammy Blais and Hunter Skinner.
Some questioned why the Rangers selected Tarasenko over Kane in light of this. The Rangers responded by admitting they were worried about Kane's well-known hip issue. With Kane reportedly delaying season-ending hip surgery, the Rangers decided it was safer to sign Tarasenko.