After months of speculation and waiting, one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history has found a new home.
On Tuesday morning, it was reported by multiple outlets that unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane is signing with the Detroit Red Wings.
Kane has not played since the New York Rangers were eliminated by the New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan Division semifinal last April. The 35-year-old elected to have hip resurfacing surgery following the season to repair a nagging injury that plagued him throughout the 2022-23 season.
The Red Wings were one of many suitors going after the former Chicago Blackhawk, which included division a rival, the Florida Panthers.
In 1,180 regular-season games, Kane has amassed 1,237 points, second among all players born in the United States. He only trails Hall-of-Famer Mike Modano, who wrapped up his career with 1,374 points in 1,499 games.
Details on the contract are yet to be announced.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion joins former Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat, who is fitting in just fine with his hometown team, with Debrincat averaging a point a game through 20 contests.
Kane will be a welcomed addition to the Wings power play. The Red Wings are currently ninth in the league, operating at 22.4% with the man advantage. David Perron and Dylan Larkin are tied with four goals on the PP. Kane can be placed on the right side of a unit including Debrincat, Larkin, Perron and Moritz Seider, a fivesome that will certainly strike fear in opposing penalty killers.
This is not the first time a popular Blackhawk has made the move to the Motor City. Longtime captain Chris Chelios was traded to the Wings in 1999, going on to lift Lord Stanley three years later. Fans in Hockeytown are hoping Kane can bring a similar impact to a team with rising stars.
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