Re: Kane- I think a lot of people here are clinging on to the player he was in the last half of the 2022 season+ playoffs. That player simply doesn't exist anymore. Power forwards generally hit a wall in their early 30s due to playstyle and injuries, and Kane is no different. Multiple injuries have accelerated that decline unfortunately.
Problem is, Kane still thinks he's that player. Which isn't a surprise, athletes are competitive to the point of being delusional, and they're usually the last to admit to themselves what everybody can see, especially for someone who's been a top 6 winger his whole life.
I remember an interview from Andrew Cogliano way back after we traded him to Anaheim, he was frustrated with his time in Edmonton because he thought he was a top 6 centre and didn't get enough opportunity as one. It took him getting traded and playing their to realize that to make it in the NHL, it was as a checking player. He carved out one of the best 3rd line careers in recent memory, and is still playing, but it took him a while to get there.
What I'm saying is, I don't expect Kane to realize that he's declined, but that is what coaches and management is for- to make the tough decisions.