Will NHL sniper Patrick Kane join Maple Leafs?

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Could three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane be one step closer to joining the Maple Leafs?

Only time will tell, but one NHL insider put some fuel on the fire with his comments on social media Tuesday night, suggesting there’s at least some interest from Toronto brass to bring in the former Chicago Blackhawks sniper.

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“Patrick Kane, who has been training in Oakville, Ontario … is beginning the process of meeting with teams,” NHL veteran analyst and sportscaster John Shannon said on social-media site X. “Hearing he met with the Toronto Maple Leafs today.”

Kane, a 34-year-old free agent who finished last season with the New York Rangers after 16 years in Chicago, had 21 goals and 36 assists in 73 games between the two teams last season.

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According to reports, his agent Pat Brisson said the forward is speaking with various teams this week, with no signing deadline in place.

An ESPN report said Kane is expected to interview with up to eight teams in the coming days. The Buffalo Sabres (Kane is a Buffalo native), Florida Panthers, Rangers and Detroit Red Wings have reportedly kicked tires.

Shannon said in a follow-up post on X that Tampa, Carolina and Dallas are also among potential suitors.

Kane has 1,237 points in 1,180 games during his career, fifth-most among active players. His 451 career goals are the seventh-most among active NHL players.

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