Detroit Red Wings veteran star forward Patrick Kane is on the verge of writing another chapter in what has been an extraordinary Hall of Fame hockey career.
Red Wings Forward Patrick Kane Closing in on 500 Career Goals
Kane, who is a three-time All-Star playing in his 20th season, finds himself two goals shy of becoming only the 50th player of all-time to score 500 career goals.
Affectionately known as ‘showtime’ or ‘kaner’ this star forward, originally drafted in 2007 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks has in his career scored 498 goals, 1,366 points along with 462 PIM’s in 1,326 games during a career which has seen Kane spin his magic for 15 years with the Blackhawks before moving on for a brief 19 game spell with the New York Rangers followed by the past two years as a Red Wing.
Despite being past his prime, ‘showtime’ has been dazzling hockey fans this year by producing many highlight reel moments in scoring six goals along with 23 points. Unfortunately, for hockey fans, his march towards 500 goals will have to wait a little longer as Kane suffered on December 13th during a 4-0 Wings win at United Center against the Blackhawks an upper body injury which will keep this future Hall of Famer sidelined for at least a couple of games.
“It’s amazing to come back and see the Kane and Detroit jerseys in the crowd,” Kane, who scored his 498th goal said after that win against Chicago. “Had a moment there after the game with the fans too, so it’s cool that it’s once a year and you can come back and really enjoy it.”
Once Kane comes back and scores two more goals, he will then be only the sixth American born player to reach 500 career goals.
The current U.S. players with over 500 career goals include forwards Joey Mullen (502), Jeremy Roenick (513), Keith Tkachuck (538), Mike Modano (561) and Brett Hull with 741.
Patrick Kane closing in on Mike Modano’s record for most points by a U.S. born player
Hockey Hall of Famer, Modano, has stressed that he wants to be in attendance to see Kane break his record for most points by and American born player.
Modano, who was born in Livonia Michigan, was originally drafted 1st overall by the Minnesota North Stars, and went on to play 20 seasons with the Minnesota/Dallas Stars and one with the Red Wings where in 1,499 games he produced 561 goals along with 1,374 points and 926 PIMs. Currently, Kane is second among U.S. born players with 1,366 points and should catch Modano sometime in early January.
“The end is coming here soon,” Modano said about his record about to be broken. “I knew years ago that he might be one-that if he stayed healthy, that he would be the guy that kind of goes after it. Obviously, he’s had a phenomenal career and is one of the best ever.” Modano went on to add, “I’d love to be there and definitely would make the effort to be there for that one. That would be a great milestone, and to see it done would be pretty cool.”
Another player who Modano believes will challenge his points output one day is Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Currently, the 28 year-old has in 656 career games scored 415 goals along with 750 points while accumulating 144 PIMs.
Kane expressed strong excitement about the prospect of having Modano in attendance for when he breaks the points record.
“It would be really cool. I’ve been a big fan of Mike since his playing days,” Kane said. “When I met him when I came into the league, it was really a surreal moment for me. Loved the way he played, his flair and style, his jersey flapping when he was skating, and just how effortless he played.”
A strong argument could be made that Kane is the best U.S. born NHL player of all-time
Over the course of his illustrious career, Kane has put together a first ballot Hockey Hall of Fame resume which includes numerous achievements such as playing in nine All-Star Games (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020,) along with winning with Chicago three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Kane also won in 2013, after scoring nine goals and 19 points to help Chicago win Lord Stanley, the Conn Smythe Trophy. Other accomplishments include in 2016 when after his career season of 46 goals and 106 points, Kane won the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award.
These are just some of the awards Kane has won in a Hall of Fame career which pretty soon will also include being the sixth born player with 500 career goals and the distinction of being the leading USA born NHL goal scorer of all time.
Main Image: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
