Is a Patrick Kane and Blackhawks reunion possible? Here’s what Kyle Davidson said originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
O Chicago Blackhawks changed from Patrick Kane It is Jonathan Toews because they wanted to clear the deck and allow the new core to grow organically, without being left in the shadows of a pair of legends.
Whether or not you agree with the decision, that’s the Blackhawks’ thinking behind it.
Well, Kane is a pending unrestricted free agent. He would like some length on his next contract, and his hip has held up very well this season with the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks are one of the only teams that can give Kane a multi-year extension and a higher cap hit. And who never dreamed Connor Bedard and Kane playing together?
“Yeah, I mean, you know what, it’s great for Chicago, it’s great for the league to have a player of his caliber in this market,” Kane told NBC Sports Chicago in November 2023 when asked about the Blackhawks’ victory in the 2023 NHL Draft lottery and Bedard’s arrival. “Obviously happy for the organization and for Connor as well to go to a city like that. It’s a great place to play. He’s already doing well, I’m sure he’ll get even better as time goes on, so hopefully they can build something there in up.”
While Kane himself hasn’t completely ruled out a return, he has acknowledged that the team is heading in a different direction with its new young core.
“Yeah, I mean, I never knew, right?” Kane told NBC Sports Chicago in November when asked if he thought a return to Chicago was possible. “Especially after that first pick, I thought, ‘OK, maybe they’ll try to bring, even Tazer or me back.’ But it seems like they’re going in a different direction now, so yeah, I haven’t heard from them, but I think they’re trying to rebuild and get their young players out there and give them a chance. It is what it is.”
So, is it possible the Blackhawks could consider bringing Kane back? General manager Kyle Davidson seemed to pour cold water on the possibility of a reunion with No. 88 this offseason.
“He had a really good year,” Davidson said. “I think we’re all really happy to see this after having hip surgery last offseason. “
