Patrick Kane’s eight-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, which he signed on July 9, 2014, came to an end after last season. He finished the season with the New York Rangers following a trade involving the Arizona Coyotes on February 28. During his time with the Rangers, Kane scored 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 19 games, while he contributed 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 54 games with Chicago.
During his time in Chicago from 2017-22, Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat played alongside Kane.
“I believe he has been putting in a lot of effort,” DeBrincat said. “I have no doubt that if anyone can bounce back from that surgery, it’s him. He’s a real hockey aficionado and his mind is constantly on the sport. I’m sure even during his free time, he is focused on improving and thinking about how he can do that on his own. It’s great to see him nearing a return, and I know he has been missing the game a lot.”
Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015), was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He also secured the 2015-16 Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, leading the League with 106 points (46 goals, 60 assists) to win the Art Ross Trophy. Additionally, he was the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player by members of the NHL Players’ Association that season and won the Calder Trophy in 2007-08 as the rookie of the year, leading first-year players with 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists).
Kane holds the second spot in Blackhawks history with 1,225 points (446 goals, 779 assists), just behind Stan Mikita (1,467). His 1,237 NHL points (451 goals, 786 assists) rank second among United States-born players, trailing Mike Modano (1,374). In 2017, he was voted as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League’s centennial celebration.
The Red Wings (11-6-3) are on a three-game winning streak and currently hold the third position in the Atlantic Division. They are set to face the New York Rangers on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET; TNT, MAX).
“He is undoubtedly a player that the opposing team is concerned about and focused on,” DeBrincat added. “He has the ability to draw in a couple of players and then move the puck, something I had to learn to play alongside. He may not always make the first play he sees, but he holds onto it until something better opens up, and then he makes the move. His knowledge of the game is simply exceptional. It was a pleasure to play alongside him.”
This report includes contributions from NHL.com columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika
