CHICAGO (AP) — When the Chicago Blackhawks selected Patrick Kane No. 1 overall in the 2007 draft, they counted on the forward, then just 18, to give their rebuilding team and its sputtering offense an immediate boost. Fast-forward 19 years: The Blackhawks again hope that Kane, now 37 and entering his 20th NHL season, will do the same after signing the all-time scoring leader among U.S.-born players to a $16 million, two-year deal.
“I mean that’s kind of always what I’ve been known to do is help produce,” Kane said Friday at the Blackhawks practice facility. “I don’t think that’s going to change any time now. I’m excited to come back and try to produce and fit in with all these young players and guys that I can play with, help build chemistry, learn.
Help the team score.” Kane said he feels strong three years after undergoing a major hip resurfacing surgery and rehabbing his way back for three solid seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Kane has 1,400 points in 1,369 career NHL games (508 goals and 892 assists). He cranked out 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games last season for Detroit and says he’s not slowing down.
The homecoming is nice but the Blackhawks need production Kane had discussions with his hometown Buffalo Sabres after becoming a free agent on July 1. But it seems to have been an easy decision to return to Chicago, where he spent his first 15-plus NHL seasons and helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships as one of the NHL’s most electrifying players. Kane said there wasn’t one deciding factor in returning to Chicago, where he has spent his summers.
He acknowledged the homecoming, but said his biggest focus is helping a team “that’s on the rise, a team that’s looking to make some big steps forward and trying to make the playoffs” “It’s not like I’m just coming back home, to you know, ride off into the sunset or whatever it is,” Kane said “You know I want to be a big player here and help the team win.” Kane is looking forward to skating with Connor Bedard Part of that will be meshing with Chicago’s young forwards. That starts with center Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks only other No. 1 overall draft pick who was selected in 2023.
Bedard will miss the early part of the season after left shoulder surgery on July 8. Bedard, who signed a $75 million, five-year contract last week, got hurt skating…
Summary from source