Patrick Kane is headed back to the midwest.
The speedy left winger has been on the mend over the past few months, felled by an intensive lower-body surgery he underwent back in the summer. But after weeks of deliberations, he has decided where he wants to continue his NHL career: the Motor City.
According to multiple reports, Kane is headed to the Red Wings on a one-year deal. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Kane’s contract is worth $2.75 million.
Kane is one of the game’s greatest players, a gifted skater capable of dangling through a through a maelstrom of defenders and still emerging with the puck tethered to his stick. And although Father Time and injuries have sapped some of that game-changing speed, Kaner is still a perennial point-per-game threat.
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Kane has been draped in crimson threads for much of his playing career. Here’s what you need to know about his decision to return to the colors — and division — of his youth.
Why Patrick Kane signed with the Red Wings
Despite coming off the worst statistical season of his NHL career — Kane recorded just 57 points in 73 games with the Blackhawks and Rangers last season — the diminutive winger had plenty of suitors. According to the Athletic, the Rangers, Maple Leafs, Panthers and his hometown Sabres were all interested in Kane’s services.
Ultimately, it was Derek Lalonde’s Detroit that won out. The Red Wings have underwent a pretty speedy rebuild under the guidance of Stanley Cup-winning general manager Steve Yzerman, accruing glimmering gemstones filled with youth and vigor. Moritz Seider has been a force on the blue line since making his debut in 2021, Lucas Raymond is looking like one of the game’s best forwards and Dylan Larkin is just 27 years old.
Kane slots into Lalonde’s system nicely. He formed a dangerous partnership with longtime teammate Alex DeBrincat, who twice bagged 40 goals while playing alongside Kane in the Windy City. DeBrincat inked a four-year contract extension to stay in Detroit after being sent there back in July. Kane’s arrival could spell even more goals for the 25-year old, who is already showing signs of his goal-scoring prowess, having netted 12 times in 20 games.
Kane’s body might be slowing down. But his mind — and that world-class vision — is still sharp as ever. It’s for that reason that Kane desired to be on a winning side. And although it’s still early days, the Red Wings look to be poised to compete atop the stacked Atlantic Division; they currently sit at 11-6-3, good for third place. With the Lightning and Maple Leafs on their trail, adding firepower to their youthful squad certainly felt like a worthwhile pursuit.
As for the player himself, his return to Middle America represents something of a homecoming. Kane himself starred in the Michigan area during his junior days, spending a season in Farmington Hills as a youngster before setting sights for Ann Arbor when he joined the U.S. Development Team Program.
How old is Patrick Kane?
Kane just turned 35 on Nov. 19. His status as one of the game’s elder statesmen is certainly cause for concern, especially when coupled with his recent injury issues over the years.
But his worst-ever season consisted of him stringing together nearly 60 points in 73 games. That’s not too shabby for a player dealing with a litany of nagging ailments over the course of the year.
Patrick Kane surgery
Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, keeping him off the ice for about five months.
He looked a shell of his vibrant self while chasing the puck at times last year. He’s hoping the procedure will ward off the effects of Father Time for just a bit longer. The Red Wings are banking on that, too.
Patrick Kane stats
Kane is one of the game’s most productive players, having accumulated 1,237 points in 1,180 games. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of his production, with his entire career spent in Chicago before being traded to the Rangers on Feb. 28, 2023.
Year Games Goals Assists Points Plus/Minus 2007/08 82 21 51 72 -5 2008/09 80 25 45 70 -2 2009/10 82 30 58 88 16 2010/11 73 27 46 73 7 2011/12 82 23 43 66 7 2012/13 47* 23 32 55 11 2013/14 69 29 40 69 7 2014/15 61 27 37 64 10 2015/16 82 46 60 106 17 2016/17 82 34 55 89 11 2017/18 82 27 49 76 -20 2018/19 81 44 66 110 2 2019/20 70 33 51 84 8 2020/21 56 15 51 66 -7 2021/22 78 26 66 92 -19 2022/23 73 21 36 57 -22
Patrick Kane number
Throughout his playing days, Kane has worn the iconic No. 88. That number is currently on the back of fellow winger Daniel Sprong, so Kane may have to do a bit more negotiating in Detroit.