In hindsight, it only seems right that future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane signed with the team he started with in the Chicago Blackhawks.
Speculation all summer was that Kane, an unrestricted free agent, who spent the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, was either going to sign with his hometown Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs or back to the team which originally drafted him, the Blackhawks.
Patrick Kane’s Career Comes Full Circle as He Signs with Blackhawks
Kane, who is 37 years-old and spent the first 16 years of his illustrious career with the Blackhawks, wants to prove that you can indeed go home again as he agreed on Thursday, July 23rd to a two-year $16 million contract.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
The reason why signing with the Blackhawks at this stage of his career was the right fit is because that’s where he spent his prime years and not only won the three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013 and 2015), along with building up his Hall of Fame resume by first winning the Calder Trophy (2008), playing in nine All-Star Games (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020), winning the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2016, EA Sports NHL cover athlete in 2010 and a spot on the NHL 2010’s All-Decade First Team.
Heading into the new season, Kane’s name is on multiple occasions written in the Blackhawks record books, where he ranks second in franchise history with 779 assists, points (1,225) and third in goals scored at 446.
Another reason for Kane’s popularity was his ability to produce in the playoffs with the high point coming in 2013 when after scoring 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists) in 23 games, “Showtime” won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Kane, originally drafted by Chicago 1st overall in 2007, would, along with another first-rounder in future Hall of Famer Jonathan Toews, go on for years to be the heart and soul of the team. Besides the Blackhawks and Red Wings, Kane has also played 19 games for the New York Rangers.
Kane Will Be Bedard’s Linemate When He Returns
Another example of how Kane’s career has come full circle is that early on he had various teammates such as forwards Patrick Sharp, Bryan Bickell and Hall of Fame defenceman Duncan Keith who helped him develop as an NHLer. Now he returns to the Windy City as the wise veteran with that opportunity to pay it forward by offering wisdom and guidance to young players such as 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard.
Bedard, who this summer had shoulder surgery and will miss the start of the season, is obviously excited about Kane coming back to Chicago and believes despite the veteran being on the back nine of his career, can still come back and be a tremendous help offensively.
Prior to Kane’s signing with Chicago became official Bedard stated,
“You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player,” Bedard said. “I don’t know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back and we can play together, for sure.”
Once Bedard returns, he will find himself playing on the same line as Kane which can only help the youngster’s overall on ice development.
Prior to signing with the Blackhawks, Bedard sent out a passionate plea for Kane to sign with Chicago.
While Kane might not be the player he once was, he is still coming off a solid 57 point season (16 goals, 41 assists) and can still contribute mightily.
Besides on the ice as linemates, Kane would also be a huge help to not only Bedard but all the young Blackhawks which comes from his 20 years in the NHL.
Toews ”Jealous” But Thrilled About Kane Getting To Once Again Play for the Hawks
The ultimate for Blackhawks fans would be if Toews would have also come back to finish his career in Chicago but that’s not going to happen.
Toews, who recently announced his retirement after a down year with the Winnipeg Jets, which saw him score only 29 points, admitted to being “jealous” of Kane going back to Chicago for a second stint.
“We were texting, and as happy as I am for him, I told him that I’m straight-up jealous that he’s gonna get to play for the Hawks again,” Toews who is 38 years-old said in a text.
During his prime, Toews was known as “captain serious” and during those years was, along with Kane, the heartbeat of the Hawks Stanley Cup wins.
This past season, he came back to play for his hometown team the Jets, after missing the past two seasons.
This time around, Kane won’t be winning any more Stanley Cups with the Hawks but instead will look to help guide this young team to the playoffs where they haven’t been since 2020.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
