The hottest new signing by the Detroit Red Wings has his sights set on his season debut.
During his media availability on Wednesday, Patrick Kane stated that he feels like he could be ready to make his first appearance with his new team next Tuesday at the earliest, against his hometown Buffalo Sabres.
If not then, Kane mentioned a Dec. 7 game vs. the San Jose Sharks or a Dec. 9 game against the Ottawa Senators as potential targets.
Buffalo, of course, would be an interesting place to start for the native of Western New York, given that the Sabres were one of the teams that expressed interest in Kane.
Detroit also visits the Sabres on March 12.
The Red Wings made waves by signing the 35-year-old on Tuesday to a one-year, $2.75M contract, with hopes of him bringing in winning experience to a team with a relatively young core.
Kane has been rehabbing after receiving hip resurfacing surgery this offseason, following his New York Rangers being eliminated by the New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan Division Semifinals last spring.
The Wings are just the third team Kane has played for the in NHL. He won three Stanley Cups during 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, before getting dealt to the Rangers in February of last season.
One of the other notable tidbits from Kane signing with Detroit is how Daniel Sprong is giving up No. 88. During his time with the media, Kane said he felt bad that his new teammate had to give up his number. Sprong is listed as wearing No. 17.
While also looking to help his new team get to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Kane is also trying to chase down Hall-of-Famer Mike Modano for the most points scored by American. Kane has 1,237 points, 137 behind the former Red Wing and Dallas Star.
You can watch the whole availability below.
The Red Wings are currently in a tie for third in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, all six points back of the Boston Bruins for first.
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