from Greg Wyshynski of ESPN,

In another offseason, Kane's availability would have produced weeks of intense speculation before a massive contract announcement on July 1. He's fourth among active players in points (1,237) and sixth in goals (451). Even past his peak, he's an explosive offensive talent on the wing.

But Patrick Kane remains a free agent midway through July. The NHL's flat salary cap for 2023-24 is one factor. Kane's decision to undergo major hip surgery a month before free agency opened, which will keep him out of action for four to six months, is the primary factor.

It's one of the most unorthodox approaches for a superstar free agent in recent memory. Kane isn't looking to commit to a team in the summer. He'll take his time to recover -- with early returns promising -- while keeping an eye on the standings during the opening weeks of the season. When he's ready to return, and Brisson says he believes he'll be ready to roll by December, Kane will select the suitor he feels is the best fit and with the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

But this approach has its drawbacks. Kane can't control how general managers will manage their rosters. A desirable team might not have the same cap flexibility in-season that they could have now for Kane.

"There are certainly teams who would take him on board now, start paying him and then provide the rehab services so that he can have that. Or he can wait and see," one NHL general manager said. "The problem with waiting and seeing is the cap."

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