Five Most Intriguing UFAs That Have Played Under Assistant Coach Jeremy Colliton

4. Patrick Kane, Right Wing

The man who hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup three times. The man who has won the Conn Smythe, Hart, Art Ross, and Ted Lindsay Trophies. The man considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game, who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. The man who had his best scoring season under new Devils assistant coach Jeremy Colliton. That man is Patrick Kane. 

Yes, that’s right. Patrick Kane scored 110 points in 81 GP during the 2018-2019 NHL season, the year Colliton was promoted as head coach. During the Covid-shortened season after that, Kane potted 84 points overall in 70 GP. Obviously, to even suggest that Jeremy Colliton is the sole reason for Kane’s individual success is ludicrous.

However, based on the statistics provided, it is fair to presume that Colliton got the best individual season out of Kane when he was running things. He didn’t get the best out of those Blackhawks teams, but can he be blamed for that?

Remember, this was at a point when the organization had just dismissed its long-standing Stanley Cup-winning head coach and was in the midst of scandal. A full-blown rebuild was in the works, and nothing could change that—not even Patrick Kane's 110-point season. 

Shifting gears, would Patrick Kane be a fit in New Jersey? Quite frankly, not really. Kane would be a nice piece to acquire at the trade deadline to help a contender make the necessary jump into further contention. The Devils are not in this situation. Not yet, at least. Pumping the brakes on Kane's landing in New Jersey would behoove management, especially as they search for players with a healthy combination of grit and skill. Kane does not possess this. At this point, it wouldn’t be a great utilization of available money.

However, at some point a guy with that much hardware and a previous relationship with the new assistant coach may very well be a slam dunk addition for a hungry team.