Detroit Red Wings star forward Patrick Kane continues to show that he is, without question, the greatest American-born player of all time.
Patrick Kane has moved past Mike Modano as the greatest point producer among US born players
This three-time Stanley Cup champion, who is affectionately known as ‘Showtime,’ cemented his mark as the best when, on Thursday, January 29th, during a 4-3 SO loss against the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena, Kane made hockey history.
At 9:52 of the second period, he drew an assist on a Ben Chiarot goal for career point 1,375, which moved him past Hall of Famer Mike Modano as the highest point scorer among U.S. born players.
“It’s hard to really grasp how special it is,” Kane’s teammate Alex DeBrincat said. “I think a lot of people have known he’s going to hit it, and one of the best American players to ever-play. We knew that before tonight, but it is special to pass Modano, and I think he’s been working hard for it. He deserves it.”
Moments after Kane’s historic achievement, the Little Caesars Arena scoreboard showed Modano giving a pre-taped congratulations message to Kane as he stated, “I knew at an early age in your career, you’d be the one chasing this number down, and here we are today,” Modano told Kane. “… Continue on and make this number harder for the next guy.”
Besides the lofty career stats, what also makes Kane the best U.S.-born player of all time is his durability and consistency.
Kane, who is now 37 years-old, was drafted in 2007 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played for 16 seasons before having in 2022-23 a 19 game stint with the New York Rangers followed by almost three seasons with the Red Wings.
Despite being past his prime, Kane is still producing solid statistics including last season when he scored 21 goals along with 59 points in 72 games played. This season, in 40 games played, Kane has scored 8 goals along with 32 points and a plus/minus of +3 in showing that he can still play past this season.
Kane’s impressive NHL resume shows why he is the greatest U.S. born player
During Kane’s Hall of Fame career, he has racked up quite the long list of achievements which includes playing in nine All-Star Games (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020), three Stanley Cups while with the Blackhawks (2010, 2013 and 2015), winning the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2013 and taking home the 2008 Calder Trophy winner to name just a few.
Following the 2015-16 season when as a Blackhawk, he led the league with 106 points, Kane won not only the Art Ross Trophy but also the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
What makes Kane’s ability over the past couple of seasons so remarkable and inspiring is that back on June 1, 2023, he underwent major hip surgery and as a free agent in his mid 30’s, there were a lot of uncertainties in Kane’s career.
The Red Wings took a chance, and to say it’s paid off would be a complete understatement.
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has best chance to catch Kane
If Leafs captain Auston Matthews remains healthy, he currently has the best chance to pass Kane.
Matthews, who is only 28 years-old, made a statement on October 12, 2016 when in his NHL debut he fired home four goals in an eventual 5-4 OT loss against the Ottawa Senators. This future superstar has gone on to reach the 60 goal plateau in two-seasons and earlier this year Matthews scored his 421st career goal which moved him past former captain Mats Sundin for most goals scored as a Leaf in franchise history.
Currently in his 10th season Matthews, has scored 427 goals along with 772 points in only 677 games. More than likely Matthews will years from now surpass Kane, but that will not change my belief that Kane is the greatest U.S. born player to play in the NHL.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
