Patrick Kane becomes top-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history

Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane celebrates after he gets his 1,375th point in the second period against the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Red Wings' Patrick Kane passes Hall of Famer Mike Modano to become top-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 10:21 PM ET

Just a couple of weeks after joining the 500-goal club, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reached another major milestone on Thursday night. This one might be his biggest individual milestone yet.

Patrick Kane becomes top-scoring American-born player in NHL history

With his assist on Ben Chiarot's goal in the second period of the Red Wings game against the Washington Capitals, Kane recorded the 1,375th point of his NHL career.

That moved him into the top spot on the all-time scoring list for American-born players, passing Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano.

It also moved him into sole possession of 27th place on the NHL's all-time scoring list among all players.

Here is a look at the assist that gave him the milestone.

THIS ONE COUNTS ✅

PATRICK KANE HAS PASSED MIKE MODANO FOR MOST POINTS BY AN AMERICAN-BORN PLAYER! pic.twitter.com/UAeTo6lLUg
— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2026

Not only is Kane now the top American-born scorer in NHL history, he also did it in his 1,342nd regular-season game. Modano recorded his points in 1,499 games.

Kane recorded 1,225 of his career points with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups with the team during his time there.

He was then traded to the New York Rangers late in the 2022-23 season where he recorded 12 points in 19 games.

He has been with the Red Wings since the start of the 2023-24 season and has 138 points in 162 games with them.

It appeared that Kane had broken the record in the first period of Thursday's game with an assist, but the goal was called back after an offside challenge by the Capitals. He just had to wait a little bit longer for it.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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