The contract usually tells the story, and that’s the case with Patrick Kane’s latest free-agent decision.On Thursday, Kane signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $8 million per year. The 37-year-old took his time with this contract, which might be the last one he signs in his NHL career. In recent weeks, reports suggested he was deciding between Chicago, where he built the bulk of his Hall of Fame resume, and Buffalo, where he grew up.He chose the Blackhawks, and when the terms of the deal were disclosed, it was easy to see why. The Blackhawks offered a salary the Sabres could only have matched by getting rid of another player. And the Blackhawks offered two years, which would have been risky for a Sabres team that has young prospects who are ready to take on big roles in the lineup.Kane would have helped the Sabres. He’s still productive, especially as a power-play setup man. And his winning experience would have been nice to have. But the Blackhawks needed him more. He’ll give a needed jolt to their fan base, provide proven production to their top six and maybe help a rebuilding team figure out how to win.The Sabres were wise to avoid a bidding war with a team that has the cap space and motivation to drive the price up. Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen might have been able to move some pieces around to fit Kane in this season, but doing a two-year deal at that number would have been a risk. If Kane was chasing that kind of money and term, the Sabres were an imperfect fit.Signing Kane would have been a nice midsummer dopamine hit. But money and term mattered to Kane. He’s had his chances to play in Buffalo over the years and hasn’t jumped at it. Twice the Sabres’ perceived interest has been his best leverage to get a good deal elsewhere.