Incoming Blackhawks rookie drops ultimate Patrick Kane praise

The Chicago Blackhawks are hoping for a successful 2026-27 season, with Patrick Kane back on the roster. Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantserov is excited about the chance to soon play with Kane.

“Right now, Connor has the injury; it’s sad news, but Chicago signed Patrick Kane,” Kantserov said, per NHL.com. “The legend has come back. It’s awesome. I (can’t) wait until practice with him, talk with him, because he has big experience. He’s the greatest American player, all-time scorer, and this is a very good opportunity to play with him.

“Of course, if we play together with Bedard, maybe we can find the chemistry. He has a great shot, right-hand shot. I can play on the wing, and also last year (I) played center. I have a choice — I can play winger or I can play center. (Whatever) Coach say, I can play.”

Kantserov has learned from Blackhawks management that he is likely to play at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. It will be his first action ever in an NHL game. He has been preparing for this.

“I like watching movies, YouTube, NHL highlights. And in Russia, we had a couple of import (overseas) guys. Talking with the boys, they say, ‘Roman, learn English. It helps you,’” Kantserov said. “I think right now English is not bad, but I need to learn (more).”

Kantserov was a second round pick by Chicago at the 2023 NHL Draft. He has spent this offseason in Connecticut, training with other league players.

“I practice with people who play in NHL, train together, and also of course I need to improve my skills, improve my thinking,” Kantserov said. “I need to think smarter and faster, because here (it’s an) absolutely different level. It should be hard, but it’s not impossible. I think I can do this.”

Chicago posted 72 points during the 2025-26 season, and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs.