Connor Bedard wants Blackhawks legend to come home

The Chicago Blackhawks could potentially have a past-and-present tandem on the ice during the 2026-27 NHL season. Chicago star center Connor Bedard voiced his approval of the possibility of former Blackhawks star winger Patrick Kane returning to the Windy City.

“I can’t imagine his first game back at the UC, the reaction he would get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans, as well,” the 21-year-old Bedard said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him. Hopefully he decides to come back.”

Kane is a Chicago sports legend and will always be revered in the city, thanks in large part to the three Stanley Cup titles he helped the Blackhawks win. Drafted first overall by Chicago in 2007, Kane appeared in 1,161 games for the Blackhawks and scored 446 goals with 779 assists for a total of 1,225 points.

Chicago traded Kane, now 37, to the New York Rangers in 2023. He later inked three consecutive 1-year deals with the Detroit Red Wings. 

Kane’s hockey powers have faded significantly, but he can still provide an offensive punch. He scored at least 16 goals and recorded no fewer than 47 points in each of his three seasons with Detroit.

Bedard is entering just his fourth NHL season and recently signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the Blackhawks, but he has yet to taste the kind of success Kane enjoyed during his time in Chicago.