Patrick Kane Will Always Be a Blackhawk

The era from 2009-2015 produced three Stanley Cups, an incredible team, revived a dead sport in Chicago (that alone carries significant weight), and numerous players who finished their careers with impressive accolades. It really isn't hard to see why Blackhawks fans miss Patrick Kane. 

Kyle Davidson made it clear from day one that the organization was moving on from Jonathan Toews and Kane. He made it clear to them in person as well:  "[Kyle Davidson] brought Taser and myself and a couple of other guys in and said, we're going to rebuild." 

Kane also said that he saw the writing on the wall and wasn't blindsided by his eventual trade. 

We could always pull strings and talk about "what if Kane stayed," and he should have, but the reality is, a wonderful era came to an end. It sucks. But that doesn't mean we can't remember how awesome it was. 

Chief, Eddie, and Big Cat recall a lot of memories that they had with Showtime. What was fun to hear were the celebration stories, or even how Kane felt nervous as a rookie throwing the first pitch in Wrigley Field. 

Kane played 1161 games in Chicago, scored 446 goals, and 1343 points. And like Chief pointed out in his article, the best years of Kane's career came after he won those Cups with the Blackhawks. 

Second in points and assists behind Stan Mikita, third in goals behind Mikita and Bobby Hull, and third in games played with the Hawks behind Duncan Keith and Mikita. Most impressive, his impact in Chicago. Even in the jersey of a historically hated team (say what you will about the rivalry being dead), Kane received a standing ovation when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime in his return to the United Center. That's because no matter where Patrick Kane goes and what jersey he wears, he will always be a Blackhawk.

Kane on his return: "And then I had another chance to really salute the fans and just, I guess, for lack of a better word, be a Blackhawk again, right? Just show them how much they meant to me."

Sports bring people together. And that 2009-2015 team brought a city together through hockey. The cups were great. The players, unforgettable. But the memories and connections those teams created are more important than anything on the ice. 

And for that, thank you for the memories, Patrick Kane.