Patrick Kane tallies most assists by U.S.-born NHL player

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Patrick Kane tallies most assists by U.S.-born NHL player

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors
By Marcus Antonelli | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 8:59 AM ET

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane has become a leader in another statistical category.

In Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets, Kane recorded his 895th career assist to pass Phil Housley’s 894 for the most by a U.S.-born player in NHL history. Kane has already become the all-time leader in points by an American skater and requires 53 to pass Mike Modano, who amassed 561 goals for the most in that respective category.

The goal came in the first period, where on a 5-on-3 man-advantage, Kane slid the puck to the high slot to the newly named captain Connor Bedard, still getting his feet wet, if you will. Bedard wristed home his first goal off that pass in his second game since his injury has sidelined him to start the 2026-27 campaign. Bedard's first goal of the season made the third-year forward the 99th different goal scorer that Kane has assisted on with the Chicago Blackhawks. The only active players with as many with a single franchise are Sidney Crosby (123) and Evgeni Malkin (101).

It was a sight for sore eyes in the United Center, as seeing the veteran legend Kane connect with the young-budding superstar felt like the first pass of the baton from the old to new era for the organization.

Patrick Kane Connor Bedard
goal pic.twitter.com/lYZSQn2thR
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 16, 2026

Bringing back Kane, who signed a two-year deal to make $8M annually, culminated for an ultimate legendary reunion as the Blackhawks continue to build into their next generation. Kane, who was dealt to the Rangers in 2023, never got to play a game with the eventual 2023 first-overall pick, Connor Bedard. In a press scrum captured by Scott Powers of The Athletic, the freshly-signed Bedard said regarding Kane’s return: “You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”

The two became the NHL’s second pair of No. 1 picks selected 15-plus years apart by the same franchise to both factor on a goal together after Pittsburgh’s Crosby and Mario Lemieux did so eight times during the 2005-06 season.

Before returning to Chicago, Kane spent his past three contracts with the Detroit Red Wings. Three one-year contracts paid him $2.75M in 2023-24, $4M in 2024-25, and $3M in 2025-26, where he remained a near point-per-game scorer with Detroit, amassing 57 goals for 163 points in 189 games wearing the winged-wheel.

Kane has won almost everything in his hockey career with Chicago. A three-time Stanley Cup Champion in 2010, 2013, and 2015, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013 on a five-year, $31.5M ($6.3M AAV) contract from 2010 to 2015. He was also a nine-time All-Star, along with accolades like a Calder Memorial Trophy win in 2008, an Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award in 2016. He also extended with Chicago for eight-years, making $84M ($10.5M AAV) through the 2022-23 season. Among all-time Blackhawks, he ranks second in franchise history in assists (779) and points (1,225) and ranks third in goals (446) and games played (1,161).

The 37-year-old is the eldest current player on Chicago’s roster, In seven games with the club this season, he has tallied a goal and two assists.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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