ESPN sources revealed that Patrick Kane is set to ink a one-year deal worth $2.75 million with the Detroit Red Wings. After a notable 16-year stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane briefly donned the New York Rangers jersey following a trade last spring.
Recovering from hip resurfacing surgery six months ago, the esteemed nine-time All-Star has been exploring options, engaging with several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres (his hometown squad), the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins in the past month.
As per reports, Kane narrowed down his options and was considering just two teams from the Eastern Conference in the last week before making his decision. Sources indicated that his agreement with the Red Wings involves no bonuses.
Kane, aged 35, moved his family to Toronto for the last half-year to recover from surgery. Dr. Edward Hsu handled the hip resurfacing, while Ian MacIntyre supervised Kane’s rehabilitation.
During his time in Toronto, Kane trained alongside former NHL player Cody Hodgson, who assisted him with battle drills and provided practice with puck handling.
Multiple sources revealed that during Zoom meetings with general managers and coaches, Kane was questioned about his decision to undergo the demanding rehab process for surgery with limited proven success in the NHL. His consistent response was simple yet resolute: “Because I’m passionate about the game.”
Throughout the journey, Kane displayed humility, acknowledging the need “to earn my spot” and expressing no expectations of securing a spot on a team’s top-line or power-play unit.
Kane boasts an impressive NHL career with 1,237 points across 1,180 games, ranking fourth among active players. His 451 career goals also place him sixth among active players.
Sources indicate that Kane was swayed by the strategic hockey knowledge and vision for the team presented by Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde. Additionally, the move allows Kane to reunite with one of his beloved former Chicago linemates, Alex DeBrincat.
During his rehabilitation, Kane maintained contact with other athletes who underwent similar hip resurfacing surgeries, including Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom and tennis star Andy Murray, who recently took a break from the sport.
Despite the Red Wings enduring a seven-year playoff drought, they’re displaying promising progress in their rebuilding phase. As of Tuesday, Detroit currently sits in third place in the Atlantic Division with an 11-6-3 record.
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