With Chicago Blackhawks legend Patrick Kane expected to leave the Detroit Red Wings, could a return to Chicago be in order for 2024-2025? Kane is coming off a 50 game stint with the Red Wings where he recorded 20 goals and 27 assists. With Kane seemingly entering the backend of his NHL career, let’s cover the pros and cons of Patrick Kane returning to the Blackhawks.
Patrick Kane Blackhawks Return Pros: Veteran Leadership
It’s no doubt that Patrick Kane would be a great influence on the Blackhawks locker room. Kane has not only succeeded as an individual in the NHL, but he has seen lots of team success in the NHL. Kane would be an excellent influence on Connor Bedard considering they were both first overall picks in their respective drafts. He would also be a great influence on the rest of the Hawks very young roster. Allowing Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard to learn from Kane would be huge for the youngsters.
Fan Interest
Bringing Kane back to Chicago would be a great way to attract fans to the United Center. It’s not like the Hawks struggle to sell out the United Center with Connor Bedard being a big attraction, but seeing Patrick Kane back in a Blackhawks jersey would be great for fans. Seeing Kane return to the team would help to bring back fans who maybe haven’t followed the team since Kane’s departure. Adding Kane would only help to attract fans to the team.
Playing with Connor Bedard
Seeing Kane get to pay with Connor Bedard would be a treat for the hockey world. Kane is still playing at a high level considering he was nearly a point-per-game player with Detroit. Seeing him playing at a high level with an improving Connor Bedard would be special. This would also feel like a passing of the torch. Watching Patrick Kane play with Bedard would feel like a change from one dynasty to a hopeful dynasty with the new look Blackhawks.
Cons: Would It Be in Kane’s Best Interest?
While it is hard to say whether or not Kane would want to return to Chicago at some point, he might be looking for a chance to win again before he retires. Kane might also want to play for his hometown Buffalo Sabers. Kane has been tied to Buffalo since the offseason before he joined Detroit. Considering that Kane is still playing at a relatively high level, him returning to a rebuilding Hawks team might not be something he wants.
The Hawks Should Put the Past in the Past
While Patrick Kane will go down as one of the greatest Chicago athletes of all time, one could argue that it is time to move on from the old core. The Blackawks could try and focus on the youth rather than bring in a piece like Kane. Patrick Kane was the final piece of the Blackhawks 2010’s dynasty when he was traded in February of 2023. With the sudden departure of Jonathan Toews, you could make the argument that Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson wants to focus more on the future core of the team. Bringing back Kane might take attention away from Hawks youngsters like Nazar and Kevin Korchinski.
Long Term Strategy
It is clear that the Hawks have solidified their future core through the draft. With players like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar being in the infancy of their NHL careers, the Hawks clearly want to go into the future with a young group. Kane will be entering his late 30’s soon. Even if he only returns on a one-year deal, would Davidson be willing to sacrifice a roster spot that could be taken by a younger player for Kane?
Kane’s future in Detroit is very much in doubt. Kane’s contract is set to expire and he didn’t sound very optimistic about his future in Detroit. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman also shared Kane’s lack of optimism. The Hawks will have lots of cap space so brining back Kane wouldn’t hinder them financially. Ultimately, the decision will be Kane’s to make.
Main photo credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
