Blackhawks grant Connor Bedard's wish, reunite with franchise icon

Patrick Kane. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blackhawks reunite with Patrick Kane on two-year deal, fulfilling Connor Bedard's wish

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 23, 2026 11:09 AM ET

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard recently said he wants forward Patrick Kane to return to the Windy City. That wish has been fulfilled.

The Blackhawks confirmed Thursday that Kane, who turns 38 on Nov. 19, signed a two-year deal worth $8M annually, meaning "Showtime" will likely finish his career where it began.

What does Patrick Kane's return to Chicago mean for Blackhawks?

Chicago selected Kane with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, and he more than lived up to the hype, becoming one of the best players in franchise history. In his first 16 seasons with the Blackhawks, he won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013 and 2015) and earned the 2015-16 Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP).

"Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport," Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. "He's shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn't be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago's brightest lights."

“We couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.” - GM Kyle Davidson
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) July 23, 2026

Kane's no longer in his prime, but he remains an effective weapon. This past season, he played 67 games for the Detroit Red Wings, ranking fourth on the team in goals (16) and assists (41). Per the Blackhawks website, Kane and Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin are the only active players to total 40-plus points in each of the last 19 seasons.

He can also serve as a mentor for 2023 No. 1 pick Bedard. He has won the 2023-24 Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year) but has yet to lead the Blackhawks back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

The veteran giving some pointers to Bedard could help him raise his game, which the franchise needs to return to the heights Kane led it to during the 2010s.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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