Naturally, with such talented players as Auston Matthews, Pat Lafontaine, Keith Tkachuk, Chris Chelios, Brett Hull, Tony Amonte, Joe Pavelski and Mike Modano to name just a few, fans could enthusiastically debate for hours whether forward Patrick Kane is among the top three American-born players.
Does Detroit Red Wings veteran Patrick Kane rank among the top three all-time USA-born NHL players?
Kane, who is 37 years old and in his 20th season, wrote another chapter in his legendary Hall of Fame career when, on Friday, January 8th, during a Detroit Red Wings 5-1 win at Little Caesars Arena joined an exclusive group of players by scoring two goals, including his 500th career goal in a win against the Vancouver Canucks.
“I’m just kind of relieved to get it over with, to be honest with you,” Kane said. “It’s still a really cool feeling, obviously.” Showing that absolute flair for the dramatics, Kane, who as mentioned came into play with 498 career goals, got the Red Wings fans on their feet when, with only 29 seconds remaining in the first, the man affectionately known as ‘Kaner’, got to within one when with the Wings on a two-man advantage, scored on a short-side shot on Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen to give Detroit a 1-0 lead heading to the second.
Kane, also known as ‘Showtime,’ officially made history when, with only 3:52 remaining in regulation, became only the 50th player and fifth American-born player to reach the 500th goal plateau, which came into an open net to give the Wings at the time a 4-1 lead.
“I’m just kind of relieved to get it over with, to be honest with you,” Kane said. “It’s still a really cool feeling obviously. Coming into tonight at 498, and scoring one in the first, and then I’m not usually on the ice when the net is empty. It was nice to get that opportunity, and then hear the crowd erupt a little when I got on the ice was pretty cool. And then obviously, getting the puck right away and having a chance to put it in the net for 500 was a great feeling.”
As Kane joined that exclusive group of USA born 500 goal scorers, which includes Joe Mullen (502), Jeremy Roenick (513), Keith Tkachuk (538) and Mike Modano (561), it’s realistic to see that despite being 37 years of age and past his prime, when his career is all said and done, he could easily be the greatest USA born scorer and as mentioned before within the top three greatest American players of all time.
Red Wings honor Kane with celebratory Patrick Kane shirts
Shortly after Kane hit the 500 goal plateau, this future Hall of Famer received a touching gesture when upon entering the dressing room, he noticed that his teammates wore customized t-shits which showed a picture of Kane along with number 500 and his nickname Showtime.
“Honestly, coming into the locker room and seeing the guys with the shirts on and just going around and kind of thanking everyone and then listening to Lark’s speech,” Kane said in reference to Wings captain Dylan Larkin. “Larks is such a classy person and kind of what he said had me feeling all the emotions. It was just kind of great to hear that and something I’ll never forget.”
Kane, drafted in 2007 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks has despite this only being his third season as a Red Wing, developed into an extremely popular player with the fans.
“It’s incredible, the way they’ve welcomed me with open arms is something I’ll never forget,” Kane said. “I guess you never really know how it’s gonna be, coming from Chicago, obviously, a storied rivalry between the Red Wings and Blackhawks. The welcome from the fans, the organization and team, everyone in the organization has been incredible.”
The next milestone for Kane should come sometime this month as he is only five points shy of tying Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano for most points by an American born player. Kane, who has produced 8 goals along with 26 points in 30 games this season has 1,369 points which means that he should catch Modano sometime in late January.
Kane has produced a Hall of Fame playing resume
During his prime, Kane played 16 seasons with the Blackhawks where during that time before joining the New York Rangers at the 2023 NHL trade deadline. Kane would finish the season as a Ranger before this unrestricted free agent underwent hip surgery which took about five months to recover.
It wouldn’t be until November 28, 2023 when Kane signed one-year $2.75 million-dollar contract with the Wings where he became extremely popular over the last few years.
His Hall of Fame resume includes winning the 2008 Calder Trophy and being selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team after a strong first season which with the Blackhawks saw him produce 21 goals along with 72 points and 52 PIM’s. Kane, who played in nine All-Star Games (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) also helped the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy and a third Cup in 2015.
Other major achievements include being selected to three NHL first All-Star teams (2010, 2016 and 2017) and in 2015-16 when he scored 46 goals and 106 points, Kane was awarded the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
There is no disputing the fact that an argument could be made that Kane can be looked upon as the most talented American born player to compete in the NHL.
If not the best, then definitely in the top five of American born players who have ever played in the NHL.
Main Image: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
