Patrick Kane couldn’t help but speak about his time with the Rangers in the past tense. 

That was not so much a testament to his experience in New York, but to the fact he is very uncertain about what his future holds at the moment. 

“I think it’s a special group in here,” he said Wednesday. “I think they’ll find a way to win.” 

Kane, who was clearly labored in the two months and four days he was a Blueshirt, is headed toward free agency for the first time in his 16-year NHL career, but it is not where he will end up that is his main concern going into the offseason. 

His health is his ultimate priority. 

“There’s not a decision on that yet,” he said when asked if he will need surgery. “We’re going to have to find a way to get me back as close to 100 percent as possible. I think, even me personally, I look at that series and I know if I felt a little bit better, I can help us win that series. 

“It’s a little almost disappointing and depressing in a way, but that’s just kind of how I feel about it.” 

While the idea of returning to Broadway is enticing for Kane, the 34-year-old was realistic about the possibility of it happening.

He mentioned that he knows the Rangers have young players to sign in K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, which will likely leave little to no money for Kane. 

Kane, who scored five goals and dished seven assists in 19 regular-season games for the Rangers, may not be able to start next season on time if he undergoes surgery.

That is another aspect of the situation that doesn’t necessarily make sense for the Rangers to re-sign him. 

“I commend the training staff and Jim Ramsay just for getting me as ready as possible for playoffs,” Kane said. “Felt pretty good, not 100 percent, but felt pretty good. We’ll figure everything out, talk to the doctors and see what the plan is going forward.”